DID Press: Regional tensions intensified after a Saudi oil tanker was reportedly attacked in the Red Sea, while explosions were reported near a US military facility in Bahrain and missile alerts were triggered across parts of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi sources said the oil tanker NCC MASA, operated by a Saudi company, was struck while transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after sailing for three days with its identification system switched off. The reported attack follows earlier strikes on the tankers Encelia and Layla in the same area.
In Bahrain, local media reported powerful explosions in Manama. The Interior Ministry confirmed the activation of emergency warning sirens and urged residents to seek shelter immediately. Media reports said explosions were heard near the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet, amid reported missile and drone attacks.
Meanwhile, Arab media reported missile and drone launches from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia. Explosions were reported in Jazan, while air raid warning systems were activated in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. Authorities temporarily suspended operations at Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan following the reported attacks.
Yemen’s Foreign Ministry blamed Saudi Arabia for what it described as a recent “criminal act” and warned that future developments would follow an “escalation for escalation” approach. A Yemeni official also urged personnel at Saudi ports to evacuate immediately.
Separately, local sources in Iraq reported fresh explosions in Sulaymaniyah, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that facilities linked to Kurdish separatist groups were targeted.