Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea
The Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
This was their first attack since they announced a blockade on ships linked to Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis used missiles and drones to strike the tankers, which they say were violating their new embargo.
The attacks have caused problems for international shipping, making companies take longer and more expensive routes to avoid the Red Sea.
This could affect global trade and the price of oil.
Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The attack involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
The Houthis claimed the tankers violated their newly imposed embargo on Saudi-linked shipping.
The attacks disrupted international commerce, forcing ships to take longer routes around South Africa.
The Houthis' actions threaten global energy supplies and trade routes, potentially increasing oil prices.
- Who
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels
- What
- Attacks on two Saudi oil tankers
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- Near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea
- Why
- To enforce a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping and pressure Saudi Arabia
Houthi Rebels
Saudi Arabia
Legitimacy of Blockade
Houthi Rebels
The Houthis claim their blockade is a legitimate response to Saudi actions in Yemen and that the attacked tankers violated their embargo.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia likely views the blockade and attacks as illegal and destabilizing, threatening global trade and energy supplies.
Impact on Global Trade
Houthi Rebels
The Houthis argue that their actions are necessary to pressure Saudi Arabia and its allies, potentially disrupting global trade routes.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and international shipping companies see the attacks as a significant threat to global commerce, forcing ships to take longer, more costly routes.
- Date
- July 23, 2026
- Location
- Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea
- Attack Methods
- Ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones
- Targeted Tankers
- Encelia and Layla
- Global Impact
- Disruption of international commerce and potential increase in oil prices