SANAA/RED SEA: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while maritime security sources reported that one of the vessels, the Saudi-flagged Encelia, was struck and caught fire.
In a statement issued early Thursday, the Houthis said they targeted the tankers Encelia and Layla, accusing the vessels of violating the group’s recently declared naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The group said the operation involved multiple ballistic and cruise missiles.
According to a maritime security source, the Encelia transmitted a distress call via VHF radio after reporting that it had been hit by a missile while operating near the outer port limits of Jizan, Saudi Arabia, in the Red Sea. The vessel reportedly caught fire following the strike.
British maritime risk management company Vanguard also reported that the Saudi-flagged Encelia was struck on its starboard side by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving reports of an incident in the same area, stating that the master of a tanker reported being hit by an unknown projectile that caused a fire onboard. The crew was able to respond to the blaze, and no casualties or environmental damage were immediately reported.
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While UKMTO did not identify the vessel by name, the reported location and circumstances matched the details provided by Vanguard regarding the Encelia.
The Houthis also claimed to have struck a second tanker, Layla, although independent confirmation of that attack was not immediately available.
Maritime security officials said there was no immediate information regarding injuries, the condition of the crew, the extent of the damage, or any potential environmental impact.
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Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, warning that vessels heading to Saudi ports would be considered legitimate targets. The group also claimed it had forced around ten ships to change course after issuing warnings, although Reuters said it could not independently verify those claims.
The latest developments have heightened concerns over the security of shipping routes in the Red Sea and the potential impact on global energy supplies and international maritime trade.
