Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis announced they launched missile and drone strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea. This attack was the first after the group announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, writes the BBC Russian Service.
Houthi representative Yahya Saree reported that the strikes were a response to the violation of the declared blockade. He also stated that the group would continue its naval operations.
The Saudi state news agency reported that the tanker Encelia sustained damage: a fire broke out in the vessel's bow after it was hit by a projectile. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred approximately 130 kilometers from the Saudi city of Ash Shuqaiq. There were no casualties. However, reports of an attack on the tanker Layla have not yet received independent confirmation.
Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — one of the world's most vital shipping routes, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Following this, several tankers have already altered their routes to avoid passing through the dangerous area.
Against the backdrop of these events, armed confrontation between the United States and Iran continues. American military personnel reported another series of strikes on Iranian military facilities, marking the twelfth consecutive night as part of the current campaign.
US President Donald Trump previously warned that in the event of new attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the US could strike Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. In response, Iran stated that in such a case, it would attack energy and economic facilities in the region and prevent oil exports.
Iran also claims that the Strait of Hormuz is under its control, but the US Central Command rejects these statements, emphasizing that the international waterway remains open for shipping with the support of American naval forces.
According to reports from American and regional media, negotiations mediated by Qatar and Oman are ongoing regarding the possible restoration of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of hostilities, but an agreement has not yet been reached.
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