Yemen’s Houthis claim attack on two Saudi oil tankers
The attack could widen pressure on global oil shipping, and vessels have already turned back from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, analysts said.
- On Wednesday, the Iranian-aligned Houthis claimed missile and drone strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea as part of a naval blockade.
- Ansarallah, the Yemen-based militants, stated the attacks were part of a "siege for a siege" strategy designed to pressure Saudi Arabia to lift a 12-year blockade on Yemen.
- Military spokesperson Yahya Saree reported the operation caused "large fires" on both vessels, compelling nearly 10 ships to retreat; five tankers changed course Wednesday while three made U-turns to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- This operation follows July 13 missile strikes when Ansarallah accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sana'a International Airport and violating a four-year truce, coinciding with a 12th successive night of US military strikes against Iran.
- Saudi authorities have not commented on the claims, while analysts view the blockade as a tactical Iranian maneuver to gain diplomatic leverage as shipping routes shift amid military escalation.
383 Articles
383 Articles
Parts of Saudi oil exports have been diverted over the Red Sea since the blockade of the Strait of Hormus. This could end. The oil price reacts.
The Red Sea on the brink of explosion: warnings of Houthi attacks targeting commercial ships
Warnings of possible attacks on commercial ships are prompting shipping companies to reassess their routes, while Washington and Riyadh affirm their preparedness to protect navigation in the Red Sea
Houthi Strikes on Saudi Tankers Send Oil Prices Past $100.
Houthi attacks on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea have further restricted the global oil supply, causing prices to surge and prompting President Trump to threaten military action in Yemen.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Houthi militants allied with Iran claim to have struck two Saudi Arabian-flagged tankers in the Red Sea, causing oil prices to pass $100 a barrel for the first time since May. The Red Sea had become a significant alternative trade route…
Fresh Attacks on Tankers: The Houthis’ Path Into Iran’s War * The Gateway Pundit * by Antonio Graceffo
On July 22, 2026, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and Layla, transiting the Red Sea.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
