- Rebels Say Attacks Enforced Maritime Blockade; Saudi Arabia Confirms Fire on One Vessel
DOHA: Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has claimed responsibility for strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, saying the attacks were carried out in response to what it described as violations of its recently declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, the Houthis said their armed forces targeted the tankers Encelia and Layla, alleging that both vessels had breached the blockade imposed in the Red Sea.
“Yemeni armed forces conducted an operation striking two Saudi oil tankers that had violated the blockade imposed by the armed forces in the Red Sea. One of the vessels was named Encelia and the other Layla,” the group said in its statement.
Drones and Missiles Used in Operation
The Houthis said the operation involved the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as ballistic and cruise missiles, targeting the two tankers in the Red Sea.
The group also claimed that its operation forced approximately 10 commercial vessels to reverse course, asserting that the action was part of efforts to enforce its maritime blockade.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Saudi Arabia Confirms Damage to Tanker
Saudi Arabia’s official news agency SPA confirmed that one of the vessels, Encelia, had been struck during the incident.
According to SPA, the attack caused a fire in the vessel’s bow section, but all crew members were reported safe, and no casualties were announced.
Saudi authorities have not provided additional details regarding the extent of the damage or the status of the second tanker.
Maritime Blockade Raises Regional Security Concerns
The latest incident follows the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
The group accused Riyadh of exploiting Yemen’s natural resources, particularly its oil wealth, and said the blockade was intended to pressure the Kingdom economically.
In response, the Saudi-led Arab coalition announced on July 21 that it had begun implementing enhanced security measures to protect commercial shipping transiting the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said any threats to international shipping would be met with a “decisive and forceful” response, describing the Houthi actions as maritime piracy.
Shipping Risks Continue to Mount
The reported attacks underscore the growing security risks facing commercial shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
The escalation comes amid heightened regional tensions and raises concerns over the safety of international navigation, with shipping operators and regional governments closely monitoring developments in the vital waterway.
BY: The Times Union
