Saudi vessel sustains minor damage in Red Sea attack

Riyadh - A Saudi Arabian vessel sustained minor damage after being targeted in an attack in the Red Sea on Friday, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) citing an official source from the Public Transport Authority. The source stated that the ship, named NCC Masa, suffered minor damage to its hull but continued its journey after the vessel and all its crew were confirmed safe. The source condemned the continued attacks on commercial ships, describing them as a violation of international law. This incident occurs amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in Yemen. On Thursday, the Houthis claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, alleging the vessels had violated a newly announced maritime ban against Riyadh. The Saudi Press Agency later confirmed that a tanker belonging to a Saudi company had been attacked and caught fire while sailing in the Red Sea. On Friday evening, the Houthis reported that airstrikes had targeted the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which is under their control.