On October ٧, ٢٠٢٦, a Chinese oil tanker was shot at in the Red Sea. This incident occurs as clashes on the shores of Yemen between Saudi forces and the Houthis have intensified. No specific details about the incident are available, and no responsibility has been claimed for this attack.
Incident Details
Reports indicate that a small boat was harassing the Chinese oil tanker and fired at it. The tanker was passing through the Red Sea and near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Fortunately, the crew of the tanker was not harmed, and the ship continued its journey northward.
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The Tanker and the Owning Company
The mentioned tanker, flagged in Singapore and named CUL Klang (capacity ٣٥,٣٠٠ tons), was delivered in ٢٠٢٤ and is operated by the Chinese company CUL Lines. This company operates routes to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia. The tanker is designated as a Chinese-owned vessel with a Chinese crew in its AIS system.
In the past, some small boats in this area have been identified as fishing boats and may have fired in order to protect their boats and fishing equipment. The Houthis have stated that their target is only vessels associated with Saudi Arabia, which raises suspicions about targeting Chinese ships.
Developments in Yemen Clashes
The Yemeni Homeland Defense Forces, which support the government, have announced that they are part of a "large-scale operation" in the Al-Waziyah area of Taiz province. There are also reports of intense clashes on the southern shores of Mocha and around Dhubab. Saudi forces have reported regaining control of Mocha and key coastal areas, but there are conflicting reports from both sides regarding the strategic control of the coasts.
The Houthis have also announced that they have begun missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. Verified reports of attacks on the airports of Abha and Riyadh have been recorded, resulting in several casualties and injuries.
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