Saudi Bahri denies targeting tanker "Amjad" in the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's National Shipping Company (Bahri) said on Tuesday that its tanker Amjad was not targeted in an attack in the Red Sea, and was not damaged in the incident in which another tanker sailing nearby was hit.

The company explained in a statement that "the tanker Amjad was transiting north in the Red Sea near another tanker that had been attacked."

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement attacked two crude oil tankers, the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panamanian-flagged Blue Lagoon 1, in the Red Sea on Monday with two ballistic missiles and a drone, damaging both vessels, U.S. Central Command said.

In contrast, Bahri said in the statement, "We categorically confirm that the tanker Amjad was not targeted and did not suffer any damage or injuries. The tanker is operating at full capacity and continues its journey towards its planned final destination without any interruption."

She added, "Bahri Company took the initiative to inform all concerned and competent authorities of the incident that the tanker was exposed to, and we confirm that we are closely monitoring the situation and are in close and continuous contact with the crew members."

The Houthi movement late Monday claimed responsibility for targeting the Blue Lagoon with several missiles and drones, but did not mention the Saudi tanker.

The two ships were loaded with crude oil, and the Amjad was carrying about two million barrels of oil, according to a statement by the US military, which described the attacks as “reckless acts of terrorism committed by the Houthis.”

Two sources told Reuters that the two tankers were sailing close to each other when they were hit, but were able to continue their journeys without suffering major damage or injuries to any personnel on board.

One of the sources ruled out that the tanker Amjad was directly targeted.

Source: Reuters