Houthi Rebels Strike Saudi Oil Tanker Daisy in Gulf of Aden

The Houthi rebels claimed on August 6, 2026, that they struck the Saudi oil tanker Daisy with a ballistic missile in the Gulf of Aden, forcing the vessel to change course. This attack followed a strike on August 5 against the tanker Wafaa off the coast of Yanbu.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the group has targeted eight Saudi oil ships since July 22, forcing 29 vessels to turn back. The group describes these actions as a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, operating on the principle of "blockade for blockade."

Shipping data from Kpler indicates a significant reduction in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb following these events. While Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the incidents, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported separate explosions near tankers off the coasts of Yemen and Oman on August 5.