Jakarta, ThedailyID — Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 22.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group targeted the vessels, Encelia and Layla, because they allegedly violated a maritime blockade.
Saree said the operation involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He also claimed the attacks started fires aboard both tankers.
Saudi authorities confirmed that Encelia came under attack. They added that all crew members escaped without injury.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) condemned the attack. It described the incident as a violation of international law that protects commercial shipping and civilian crews.
SPA did not mention any attack on Layla.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unidentified projectile struck a tanker. The agency said the impact caused a fire, and the crew immediately began firefighting operations.
The latest incident followed renewed fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which Saudi Arabia supports.
On July 13, government forces bombed Sanaa International Airport. Officials said they wanted to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in Houthi-controlled territory.
Houthi leaders blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack. They said the Iranian aircraft carried officials returning from the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20. They described the measure as a response to years of restrictions on ports and airports under their control.
Saudi Arabia has denied imposing a blockade on Houthi-held areas.
The Red Sea has become increasingly important for Saudi oil exports. Regional security concerns continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
