Saudi vessel sustains minor damage in Red Sea attack

Riyadh (ANTARA) - A ship owned by Saudi Arabia suffered minor damage after being targeted in an attack in the Red Sea on Friday, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing an official source at the Kingdom’s Public Transport Authority.

The source stated that the vessel, named NCC MASA, sustained minor damage to its hull, but continued its journey after the ship and all crew members were confirmed safe.

The source condemned the ongoing attacks on commercial vessels, describing them as a violation of international law.

The incident occurred amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group in Yemen.

Earlier, on Thursday (23/7), the Houthi group claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, on the grounds that the vessels had violated a maritime ban against Riyadh that the group had recently announced.

The Saudi Press Agency later confirmed that a tanker owned by a Saudi company had been attacked and caught fire while sailing in the Red Sea.

On Friday evening, the Houthis said air strikes had targeted the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which is controlled by the group.