DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they directed a missile at an oil tanker located in the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia, a move that could heighten tensions in the critical global shipping lane. The military spokesman for the Houthis, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, asserted responsibility for the launch during a pre-recorded statement broadcasted via al-Masirah, a news channel controlled by the group. He claimed that the vessel, identified as the Liberian-flagged Scarlet Ray, had connections to Israel. Eastern Pacific Shipping, based in Singapore and the owner of the ship, was not immediately reachable for comment; however, the maritime security firm Ambrey categorized the vessel as aligning with Houthi target profiles. Eastern Pacific is ultimately under the control of Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and has previously faced threats in suspected Iranian assaults. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which observes maritime activities in the Middle East, reported an incident involving a splash and bang noticed by a nearby ship close to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The escalating activity of the Houthis since November 2023 has already seen over 100 ships targeted using missiles and drones, with four vessels sinking and more than eight mariners reported dead. This recent missile attack coincides with a volatile ceasefire situation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and further underscores the fierce clashes ignited by political tensions in the region. The Houthis had paused their attacks for a brief ceasefire but have since retaliated following significant U.S. airstrikes targeting them. The recent missile strike signals a worrying trend, pointing to the complexities inherent in ceasefire negotiations amidst rising militant actions and regional tensions involving Tehran and its nuclear agenda.