Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday, an action they claim was in response to violating a blockade imposed on Saudi Arabian ports. The attack effectively spread the simmering US-Iran conflict to the Red Sea.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree announced on X that the rebels attacked the Saudi tankers ENCELIA and LAYLA with missiles and drones. The group declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker "being struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a fire onboard that the crew are currently fighting." The UKMTO stated there were no reported casualties or environmental impact from the incident.
Until this attack, the Houthis had largely remained outside the direct conflict. Their action comes as U.S. forces continue strikes against Iranian military targets. U.S. Central Command announced it had begun launching more strikes on Wednesday at the direction of the Commander in Chief, aiming to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic.
Tuesday saw two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude, bound for China and India, forced to turn around in the Red Sea following warnings from Houthi rebels. This incident marked the first reported disruption to oil transport in the critical Red Sea trade route since the Houthi blockade declaration.