Key facts
- Yemen's Houthis claim to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea.
- The Houthis stated they are enforcing a "maritime embargo" and have closed the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- The UKMTO confirmed a Saudi tanker was struck by an "unknown projectile" near Al Shuqaiq, resulting in a fire.
- US Central Command launched strikes on Iran, stating the goal was to degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners.
- Iranian state media reported two deaths from US strikes and claimed the Strait of Hormuz was closed after an explosion.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed on Wednesday to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, asserting they had closed the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping route. This claim followed the 12th consecutive night of US strikes on Iran, which Iranian state media reported resulted in two deaths and a fire on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis, through their military spokesperson Yahya Saree, identified the targeted tankers as the Encelia and the Layla, alleging they violated the group's naval blockade. Saree stated the operations would continue under a "siege for a siege" policy. The UK Maritime Trade Operation confirmed an "unknown projectile" struck a Saudi tanker approximately 130km from Al Shuqaiq, causing a fire but no casualties. Maritime risk group Vanguard also reported the Encelia was hit.
US Central Command announced strikes, directed by President Donald Trump, aimed at degrading Iran's capacity to threaten maritime traffic. These actions occurred amid heightened regional tensions. Iranian state media also reported an explosion and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with three oil tankers reportedly stopped from passing. Iran's Foreign Minister warned of an "eye for an eye" response.
President Trump had previously threatened to "take care of" the Houthis if they obstructed the Red Sea. The Houthis had announced a "maritime embargo" on Saudi vessels, closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Red Sea has become a vital route for oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, and disruptions risk further impacting global fuel prices, which have already fluctuated significantly due to regional hostilities. At least seven oil tankers have reportedly altered course near Yemen since the embargo was announced.