CNN debunks video of alleged Houthi attack on Saudi ship

Investigations by CNN have debunked viral social media footage claiming to show a recent Houthi attack on a Saudi Arabian warship off the coast of Al-Mukha. The video, which depicts large explosions and ship wreckage, is actually old footage from Houthi military maneuvers conducted approximately two years ago.

Analysis of the footage revealed it was extracted from a 22-minute video originally published by Houthi military media on October 27, 2024, during the ‘Let Your Faces Worsen’ maneuvers. These exercises were designed to simulate defending against large-scale maritime attacks.

The misleading video resurfaced following claims by Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, who stated the group had targeted a Saudi military landing ship and four escort vessels with ballistic missiles in the Red Sea. While the Houthi group claimed the strike occurred near Al-Mukha, CNN was unable to independently verify the group's recent claims regarding the attack on the landing ship.