Blast hits oil tanker on Red Sea off Saudi Arabia

An explosion has damaged an oil tanker on the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Its state-run television reports that Yemen's anti-government forces attacked the vessel.

The state TV and other media reported on Wednesday that the blast damaged the hull of the Maltese-flagged tanker in waters near the Jazan region. The reports say no crew members were injured.

The state TV says the explosion was carried out by Houthi insurgents from neighboring Yemen. So far, the Houthis have made no comment on the attack.

The explosion comes after a fire broke out on Monday at an oil facility of a Saudi Arabian state-run oil company in the western part of the country.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the fire, saying they used a missile.

The Jazan region is located on the border with Yemen and has often come under attack by the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia's military has intervened in the ongoing civil war in Yemen. Saudi Arabian forces are continuing airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis.

The Houthis have repeatedly carried out attacks against Saudi Arabia across the border.

NHK