Yemen’s Houthi group announced an operation against two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, citing violations of their maritime restrictions. The group’s military spokesman stated that the tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, were hit with missiles and drones for breaching the embargo on ships visiting Saudi ports. The incident’s location and damage specifics were not disclosed, and casualties were not confirmed.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident involving a tanker southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, where the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile, causing a fire onboard. The Houthi group’s action followed their recent announcement of expanded maritime restrictions on vessels trading with Saudi ports. These measures were introduced in response to the closure of Sanaa International Airport, which the group blames on Saudi Arabia.
Houthi forces have previously targeted ships they associate with Israel and the United States in the Red Sea using missiles, drones, and naval weapons. This latest event raises concerns about the safety of commercial navigation in the region, particularly amid tensions between the US and Iran over the control of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict in Yemen, ongoing since 2014, has seen the Houthis seize territory prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention in 2015. The recent escalation threatens the fragile peace established by a 2022 UN truce.
