Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea
The Houthis, a group in Yemen backed by Iran, attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
They said they did this because they believe Saudi Arabia has been treating Yemen unfairly for a long time.
The Houthis have also stopped other ships from going through the area.
The attack happened near a very important shipping route called the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis used missiles and drones to attack the tankers.
Saudi Arabia has not said anything about the attack yet.
Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELA and LAYLIA, in the Red Sea.
The attack was carried out using ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.
Houthis claimed the attack was in response to Saudi Arabia's alleged 'unjust and oppressive siege' on Yemen.
The Houthis have imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, forcing nearly ten ships to abandon their routes.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping route, is now under threat due to the Houthi attacks.
- Who
- Houthis (Yemen’s Iran-backed militant group)
- What
- Attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Red Sea, near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait
- Why
- In response to what they describe as an 'unjust and oppressive siege' by Saudi Arabia and to enforce a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia
Houthi Perspective
Saudi Perspective
Maritime Blockade
Houthi Perspective
The Houthis imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in response to what they describe as an 'unjust and oppressive siege' by Saudi Arabia, which they claim has been plundering Yemeni resources and imposing a comprehensive blockade on Yemeni ports and airports.
Saudi Perspective
Saudi Arabia rejects the claims of imposing a siege on Yemen and has not commented on the Houthi attacks on the oil tankers.
- Date of Attack
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Tankers Targeted
- ENCELA and LAYLIA
- Weapons Used
- Ballistic and cruise missiles, drones
- Maritime Blockade Imposed
- July 20
- Strait Affected
- Bab al-Mandeb Strait
- Houthi Spokesperson
- Yahya Saree
- Monitoring Organization
- UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations)