Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Houthis Deploy Advanced Weapons in Red Sea
The Houthis, a group controlling much of Yemen's western coastline, declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and launched missiles and drones against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is a vital route for international commerce, connecting Europe with Asia.
The Houthis possess a diverse arsenal of advanced weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and explosive drone boats.
These weapons are used to target maritime traffic and disrupt Saudi interests.
The Houthis receive military assistance and components from Iran and have established their own military-industrial capability for assembling and modifying weapons.
Saudi Arabia acknowledges the attack on one tanker, the Encelia, and is likely to respond with military action to protect its interests.
The Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and launched missiles and drones against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is a vital route for international commerce, connecting Europe with Asia.
The Houthis possess a diverse arsenal of advanced weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and explosive drone boats.
The Houthis receive military assistance and components from Iran and have established their own military-industrial capability for assembling and modifying weapons.
Saudi Arabia acknowledges the attack on one tanker, the Encelia, and is likely to respond with military action to protect its interests.
- Who
- The Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
- What
- The Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and launched missiles and drones against Saudi oil tankers.
- When
- The attacks occurred on July 22.
- Where
- The attacks took place in the Red Sea, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Why
- The Houthis aim to disrupt maritime traffic and target Saudi interests in the region.
Houthi Movement
Saudi Arabia
Naval Blockade
Houthi Movement
The Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, launching missiles and drones against Saudi oil tankers to disrupt maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia acknowledges the attack on one tanker, the Encelia, and is likely to respond with military action to protect its interests.
Weapons Arsenal
Houthi Movement
The Houthis possess a diverse arsenal of advanced weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and explosive drone boats, which they use to target maritime traffic.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and its allies are likely to counter these threats with advanced defensive measures, including anti-ballistic missile interceptors and increased naval presence.
- Red Sea
- A vital sea route for international commerce, connecting Europe with Asia.
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- A narrow passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
- Houthi Weapons
- Anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and explosive drone boats.
- Saudi Oil Tankers
- Encelia and Layla were targeted by Houthi missiles.
- Iranian Support
- The Houthis receive military assistance and components from Iran.
- Houthi Production
- The Houthis have established an indigenous military-industrial capability for assembling and modifying weapons.