Houthis Claim Attacks on Two Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea
- Jul 23
- 1 min read
RIYADH, July 23, Saudi Arabia Breaking News – Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed on Thursday to have attacked two Saudi-flagged oil tankers in the Red Sea following the group’s threat to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi vessels.
The Houthis identified the tankers as the Encelia and Layla. Both vessels are registered under the Saudi flag, according to maritime tracking service MarineTraffic.
The Layla was carrying crude oil, while the Encelia was carrying refined oil products.
The vessels were targeted in separate incidents about 70 nautical miles off the Saudi coast, maritime risk consultancy Marisks reported.
The Encelia sustained damage after being hit by a projectile, while the Layla was also targeted, Marisks said. NASA satellite imagery appeared to show the Encelia on fire in the Red Sea.
Saudi Press Agency reported that the Encelia was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, citing an official at the General Transport Authority. The attack caused a fire in the vessel’s bow. The report did not address the Layla.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations center separately reported that a tanker had been struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq but did not identify the vessel.
Marisks described the incidents as the first apparent implementation of the Houthis’ recently announced maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
