Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, stating the vessels violated a newly announced naval blockade.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the alleged strikes on Wednesday, identifying the targeted tankers as ENCELA and LAYLIA. He stated the attacks were carried out using a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in fires on board the ships. Saree also claimed that nearly ten other vessels were forced to alter their routes.

The Houthi announcement follows their declaration on July 20 of a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, which they described as a response to what they termed an "unjust and oppressive siege" imposed by Saudi leaders. The group accused Saudi Arabia of imposing a "comprehensive blockade on our ports and airports by land, sea, and air."

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported receiving information about a tanker being struck. "The master of a tanker reports being struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a fire onboard that the crew are currently fighting," the UKMTO stated, noting its role in monitoring regional shipping.

Saudi Arabia has not yet officially commented on the Houthi claims regarding the oil tankers. The conflict in Yemen, which has seen the Houthi group fighting against the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition for over a decade, has seen escalating tensions. The alleged attacks come in the wake of significant violence in Yemen, including the Yemeni government bombing Sanaa airport.

This incident highlights the ongoing threat to crucial maritime routes. Saudi Arabia has been seeking alternative ways to facilitate oil flow through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, particularly amidst disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz related to regional conflicts. The Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint is a vital artery for global commerce, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis previously disrupted global shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb area after October 2023, with those attacks reportedly ceasing following a "ceasefire" announcement in Gaza in October 2025. The group's assertion of a blockade on Saudi Arabia indicates a potential escalation in their actions against regional maritime traffic.

Critics of the Houthis point to their rejection of proposals, such as one from Jordan to resume flights between Amman and Sanaa, as evidence against their claims of a complete siege. Meanwhile, Riyadh has consistently denied imposing a siege on the Yemeni people.