Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea. The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated the attacks involved drones and missiles targeting ships allegedly violating their naval blockade. However, their responsibility has not been independently confirmed.

The incident marks the first such attack in the Red Sea since the Iran-backed Houthis announced a "maritime embargo" against Saudi Arabia. UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) reported an "unknown projectile" struck a Saudi tanker approximately 130km from Al Shuqaiq in Saudi Arabia at 20:00 GMT, causing a fire on the ship's bow. An unnamed official source at the Transport General Authority described the attack as a violation of international law, noting all crew members were safe.

The attack coincided with the US launching its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. US Central Command (Centcom) announced at 21:30 GMT that strikes were conducted under the direction of US President Donald Trump "to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters." Iranian state media reported two fatalities from the US strikes and an explosion in a mined route in the Strait of Hormuz, which the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed had "completely closed" the strait.

Ahead of these events, President Trump had warned he would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant if Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to "take care of" the Houthis if they blocked the Red Sea. On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his intent to respond should the Houthis obstruct the Red Sea as they had threatened.

These developments highlight escalating tensions involving Iran, the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the US in critical maritime regions.

Sources