Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, saying the vessels had breached a naval blockade imposed on Saudi Arabia.
The Yemeni group identified the tankers as Encelia and Layla, saying that both were struck with multiple ballistic and cruise missiles.
According to Reuters, maritime security officials confirmed that the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia issued a distress call after reporting it had been hit by a missile while operating near the outer port limits of Jizan on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The vessel caught fire following the strike.
Saudi authorities later confirmed the incident through state media. The Saudi Press Agency, citing an official source, said the Encelia, owned by a Saudi company, sustained damage after being targeted in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the bow of the ship. Officials added that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said one of three oil tankers caught fire after an explosion while attempting to pass through what they described as a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Guards said the remaining two tankers turned back following the incident. Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.
