Houthis claim missile, drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers

Yemen's Houthi group said it carried out a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers with ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones early Thursday. Military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation targeted the vessels Encelia and Layla for violating the group's maritime blockade, claiming the strikes scored direct hits and forced nearly 10 vessels to turn back.

Saudi Confirmation and Response

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a fire broke out aboard a tanker after it was struck by a projectile about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shaqiq. Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority later confirmed the Encelia had been targeted, causing a fire at the vessel's bow. All crew members were safe, and authorities had taken measures to secure the vessel and protect the marine environment.

Escalating Maritime Conflict

The attack follows the Houthis' announcement on Monday of a ban on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to vow a "firm and forceful" response. The Houthis said they would maintain a "blockade-for-blockade" equation and warned that any attack on Yemen would be met with major operations deep inside Saudi territory.