Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea, saying the vessels had violated a maritime blockade imposed by the group on Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis said the attacks were carried out using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA confirmed that the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia was struck, causing a fire on its bow. All crew members were reported safe, while authorities said the vessel had been secured and measures were taken to protect the marine environment.
Maritime security firm Vanguard also reported that Encelia was hit on its starboard side about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.
While the Houthis also claimed to have struck the tanker Layla, there has been no independent confirmation of that attack.
The Houthis also claimed they forced around 10 ships to turn back after issuing a warning for vessels to avoid Saudi ports under a blockade announced on July 20.
Ship-tracking data showed several tankers altered course in the Red Sea following the warning, although the Houthis’ broader claims could not be independently verified.