Yemen’s Houthi militia on Thursday claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, while Saudi authorities confirmed that one of the vessels caught fire following the assault. The incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime security in the region and the potential impact on global energy shipments. The Houthi group said it carried out a military operation targeting the tankers Encelia and Layla, alleging that the vessels had violated a naval blockade imposed by the Iran-aligned group on Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the Houthis claimed they used a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones during the attack. Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA later confirmed that the tanker Encelia was hit and suffered a fire on its bow while travelling through the Red Sea. The agency, citing an official source from the General Transport Authority, said that all crew members on board were safe following the incident. According to the Saudi authorities, the vessel was secured after the attack and steps were taken to protect the marine environment.

Officials described the assault as a violation of international law and said necessary measures were being implemented to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew. The Saudi statement did not identify those responsible for the attack, but the incident followed the Houthi announcement claiming responsibility. The group has previously targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, particularly those it links to countries involved in regional conflicts. The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime routes.

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The Red Sea serves as a key shipping corridor connecting the Middle East, Asia and Europe, with thousands of commercial vessels passing through the region every year. Disruptions in the Red Sea have already affected global shipping operations, forcing some companies to reroute vessels around longer and more expensive routes.

Any sustained threat to oil tankers and energy infrastructure could increase pressure on global fuel markets and raise concerns over supply chain stability. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, have carried out several attacks on ships in the region, saying their actions are linked to wider regional conflicts. 

Their activities have drawn international condemnation, with several countries warning that attacks on commercial vessels threaten global trade and maritime security.  Saudi Arabia has previously faced attacks on its energy infrastructure from Houthi forces, though the latest incident represents a direct threat to oil tankers operating in the Red Sea. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation as investigations into the attack and its wider implications continue.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where conflicts involving Iran-backed groups have increased risks to shipping routes and energy supplies. International maritime agencies and governments are closely watching developments to assess whether further attacks could occur in the region.

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