Tel Aviv: Israel is considering more severe actions against the Houthi rebels in Yemen after they launched a missile that targeted Israeli owned tanker. The tanker, the Scarlet Ray, was attacked while sailing in the Red Sea near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, on August 31, 2025. The missile missed and all crew on board were reported safe, with the vessel continuing its voyage.
The Liberian-flagged Scarlet Ray, owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping, which is controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, matched the Houthis’ targeting profile for Israeli-linked shipping.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile at the tanker in a prerecorded message, stating it was part of their campaign against Israeli shipping due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the ship’s crew witnessed a splash from an unidentified projectile and heard a loud bang. The missile did not hit its target and no injuries or damage were reported, and the vessel sailed on.
The attack comes days after Israeli strikes in Yemen killed the Houthi prime minister and several senior officials, with the Houthis vowing revenge and continued targeting of Israeli assets.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
