Houthis Launch Attacks on Saudi Tankers Amid Renewed Maritime Blockade

The Yemeni armed group known as the Houthis has recently initiated attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking the first military action taken by the group since instituting a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the vessels Encelia and Layla using missiles and drones. The official Saudi Press Agency has confirmed that the Encelia was struck, although it did not disclose the identity of the attackers. Thankfully, the agency reported that a fire erupted aboard the vessel, but all crew members were reported safe. The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, had previously vowed to impede all Saudi ships navigating through the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait. This narrow passage is crucial, as it connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, serving as a vital route for maritime trade. Approximately 12 percent of global trade flows through this strait, making it one of the most significant maritime chokepoints alongside the Strait of Hormuz. Historically, the Bab el Mandeb Strait has faced disruptions due to Houthi attacks, with hostilities peaking between late 2023 and spring 2025. During this period, the Houthis targeted shipping routes in support of the Palestinian population amidst conflicts involving Israel. The recent blockade by the Houthis appears to be a reaction to an escalation of violence in the region, particularly in light of a series of reciprocal bombings. The tension ignited after Saudi forces targeted the airport in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, to prevent a plane carrying prominent Houthi figures from landing. These officials had just attended the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed on the war's opening day by an Israeli airstrike. In retaliation, the Houthis executed a significant strike using ballistic missiles and drones aimed at the Saudi airport in Abha, a key city in southern Saudi Arabia. This offensive marks the first prominent assault by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia since a ceasefire was established in 2022, which had brought an end to an intense bombing campaign that began in 2015. As tensions and military engagements reignite, the situation remains precarious, with both regional security and international maritime trade hanging in the balance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2