Yemen-based Houthis said Thursday they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as part of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
The group identified the vessels as Encelia and Layla. Saudi state news agency SPA confirmed that Encelia suffered a strike that caused a fire near its bow.
However, authorities have not independently confirmed an attack on Layla. A maritime security source said Encelia sent a distress call after a missile strike near Jizan.
Meanwhile, five tankers changed course Wednesday to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Three tankers carrying Saudi oil toward China and India also reversed course earlier.
The developments threaten to create another major disruption for global oil shipments. Iran has already sharply restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Warns Iran as US Strikes Continue
US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure after attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iran warned it could target regional oil, gas, electricity and economic infrastructure. Iranian state media also reported that Tehran could block oil exports entirely.
Moreover, the Revolutionary Guards said an explosion struck a mined route south of Hormuz. They claimed the strait remained completely closed without Iranian coordination.
The US military launched another round of strikes on Iran, marking the 12th consecutive night of attacks.
US Central Command said American forces would continue weakening Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic. Meanwhile, Houthi actions could further widen the conflict and increase pressure on US military resources.
