Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea using ballistic and cruise missiles, according to statements from the group and reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The strikes on the vessels, which were sailing near the Saudi port city of Jizan and approximately 70 marine miles southwest of Al Shuqayq, prompted immediate fire-fighting responses from ship crews as regional shipping lanes faced mounting security disruptions following a newly declared maritime blockade by the Iran-aligned group.
Houthi Missile Attacks Target Saudi Oil Tankers in the Red Sea
The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for targeting the Encelia and the Layla, stating the vessels violated a recently announced blockade on Saudi Arabian ports. A maritime security official confirmed that the Encelia sustained a missile strike while operating off Jizan, leaving the ship engulfed in flames. Simultaneously, UKMTO reported receiving an incident alert from the captain of a tanker hit by an unknown projectile 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqayq. The UKMTO confirmed that crew members were battling an active fire on board, though initial assessments indicated no immediate casualties or environmental damage.
Maritime Blockade Disrupts Regional Shipping Traffic
The strikes follow an announcement made by Houthi spokespersons declaring a formal maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. According to the group, the action serves as a direct response to a nearly 12-year blockade and resource restrictions imposed on Yemen by Saudi authorities. In the wake of the announcement, five oil tankers changed course in the Red Sea, with two rerouting toward the Suez Canal.
US Warning Implicates Iran in Escalating Red Sea Security Risks
United States President Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding the attacks, stating that Washington will hold Iran accountable for offensive operations conducted by its Houthi allies. In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump noted that while the group had previously demonstrated more restrained behavior following US military interventions last year, the recent missile strikes mark a resumption of hostilities. “Let this publication serve as a warning that if they do it once again, the US will hold Iran responsible, since the Houthis are creatures and/or proxies of Iran,” Trump wrote, adding that both the group and Tehran would face severe military consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which vessels were targeted in the Red Sea?
The Houthi rebels targeted two Saudi oil tankers named the Encelia and the Layla.
الحوثيون يهاجمون ناقلتي نفط سعوديتين في البحر الأحمر -
Were there any casualties reported from the tanker strikes?
According to the UKMTO, there were no initial data or reports indicating casualties or environmental damage following the missile impacts.
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What justification did the Houthi movement give for the blockade?
Houthi spokespersons cited a nearly 12-year Saudi-led blockade on Yemeni ports, airports, and resources as the motivation for restricting maritime traffic.