Yemen’s Houthi militia said Thursday that it carried out attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, saying the vessels had ignored a maritime blockade the group recently announced against Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials later confirmed that one of the ships, the Encelia, caught fire during the incident, although all crew members were reported safe.
Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA said the Encelia was damaged near its front section while sailing in the Red Sea. Citing a source from the General Transport Authority, the report said authorities secured both the ship and its crew and took steps to prevent any pollution. The agency described the incident as a breach of international law but did not identify who was behind the attack.
In a statement released by the group, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, named the Encelia and the Layla as the vessels involved. The group said several types of weapons were used during the operation and claimed the ships had entered waters covered by its blockade. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree also said nearly 10 vessels had changed course after receiving warnings to stay away from Saudi ports, though that account has not been independently confirmed.
Earlier in the day, a maritime security source said the Encelia sent out a distress message over VHF radio. The report stated that the tanker had been hit while operating near the outer limits of the Saudi port of Jizan and that flames had been seen onboard.
Maritime security firm Vanguard later reported that the Saudi-flagged vessel sustained damage late Wednesday in waters off Saudi Arabia’s southwest coast. The company said the object that struck the tanker had not been identified.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received a report from the captain of a tanker in the same area describing a fire onboard after the vessel was struck. According to the agency, crew members were working to bring the situation under control, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or harm to the surrounding marine environment.
The incident comes just days after the Houthis announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, which the group said was a response to measures taken against Yemen, including restrictions affecting ports and airports and a recent strike on Sanaa airport. The Houthis said their actions were intended as retaliation.
There have already been signs of disruption to shipping in the region. Data tracking vessel movements showed that five tankers adjusted their routes in the Red Sea on Wednesday, with two redirecting toward the Suez Canal after warnings were issued concerning Saudi ports.
The Bab al-Mandeb waterway, located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, continues to serve as a major route for international shipping and energy transport. Large volumes of oil move through the passage each year as vessels travel between Asia, Europe, and beyond.
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