Houthis claim strikes on Saudi oil tankers as Red Sea tensions escalate

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking a significant escalation in the region’s maritime conflict. The group stated that the vessels, identified as the Encelia and the Layla, were targeted with drones and missiles for allegedly violating a maritime blockade imposed on Saudi Arabia.

Saudi state media confirmed that the Encelia was hit, resulting in a fire at the bow of the vessel. Officials reported that all crew members on board were safe. The incident represents the first confirmed attack since the Houthi group announced the maritime embargo on Monday, signalling a hardening of their stance in the broader geopolitical dispute.

The strikes come as the United States launches its 12th consecutive night of attacks on Iranian military targets. Directed by President Donald Trump, US Central Command confirmed that the ongoing operations are aimed at degrading Iran’s capabilities, targeting maritime assets, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defence systems.

Tensions in the waterway have intensified further following declarations from Iran’s military command. On Thursday, the Khatam al-Anbiya command declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessel traffic and threatened to target any ship attempting to transit. However, US Central Command disputed this assessment, stating that commercial ships continue to transit the strategic chokepoint without interruption.

The conflict has expanded beyond the Red Sea, with Israel conducting strikes on military targets in western and central Iran, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre is monitoring the situation in the Red Sea as the US seeks $70bn in war funding to support its military posture amidst the escalating hostilities.