Houthis strike two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea
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Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers, the ENCELIA and LAYLA, in the Red Sea on July 22, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The group's military spokesman Yahya Seri said the vessels were targeted for violating a navigation ban. The attack marks an escalation after the Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20.
The Attack
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Seri announced in a video statement that the group struck two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, in the Red Sea. The attack involved multiple ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, with Seri claiming direct hits. He said the vessels were targeted for violating a Houthi-imposed navigation ban.
Escalation Context
The attack comes two days after Iran-backed Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20. Seri also claimed that Houthi forces forced approximately 10 other ships to retreat or turn back. The group warned Saudi Arabia that any aggression against Yemen would be met with major operations deep inside Saudi territory.
Houthi Justification
In his statement, Seri accused Saudi Arabia of imposing a comprehensive blockade on Yemen for about 12 years, plundering the country's resources, and besieging its ports and airports by land, sea, and air. He framed the attacks as a response to what he described as unbearable suffering inflicted on the Yemeni people.
What's Next
The Houthis are expected to continue their naval campaign, with further attacks on Saudi vessels possible. It remains unclear how Saudi Arabia or its allies will respond militarily, and whether the blockade will escalate into a broader confrontation.
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Houthis strike two Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea
