The U.S. military has condemned recent attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, labeling them as "reckless acts of terrorism." The Saudi-flagged tanker Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I were both targeted on Monday by Houthi forces, who employed ballistic missiles and drones in the assault.

While the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon, they did not acknowledge targeting the Saudi vessel. According to U.S. Central Command, the two tankers were struck while carrying significant quantities of crude oil, with the Amjad reportedly holding around two million barrels at the time.

Despite the severity of the attacks, sources indicated that both ships sustained minimal damage and were able to continue their journeys without major issues or casualties. The Amjad, owned by Saudi national shipping group Bahri, and the Blue Lagoon I, managed by Greece's Sea Trade Marine SA, have not yet provided official comments.

The attacks occur amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Saudi Arabia, the world's leading oil exporter, closely monitoring the situation as Houthi forces continue to launch missiles targeting vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have stated that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

These attacks mark a continuation of hostilities in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have carried out over 70 strikes since November, resulting in the sinking of two vessels, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least three seafarers. The Joint Maritime Information Center, which tracks Houthi attacks, reported that the Blue Lagoon I was targeted by three ballistic missiles, likely due to its association with other vessels that have recently docked in Israel.

All crew members aboard the Blue Lagoon I are reported to be safe, and the vessel does not require assistance despite sustaining minimal damage.