Houthi rebels in Yemen claim they attacked two Saudi oil tankers passing through the Red Sea, just days after announcing a naval blockade to obstruct Saudi ships.
On Thursday, 23 July 2026, the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group, which controls large areas of Yemen, claimed they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea early that morning local time.
In a statement, the armed group identified the targeted ships as the “Layla” (IMO 9336098) and the “Encelia” (IMO 9240172), both flying the Saudi flag.
A Houthi spokesperson said the two vessels “violated the naval blockade in the Red Sea” and claimed they attacked the ships using drones and multiple missiles.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was attacked with an “unknown explosive device” while sailing through the Red Sea, approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Saudi Arabia’s Al Shuqaiq city.
UKMTO stated that the explosive caused a fire but so far there have been no reports of deaths, injuries, or environmental impact, adding that officials are investigating the incident.
Saudi authorities have not immediately responded to the Houthi claims, and CNN has not been able to verify the facts.
The Houthi attack follows their announcement last Monday of a naval blockade against Saudi vessels passing through the Red Sea, citing it as a tit-for-tat measure after the Saudi-backed Yemeni government struck an airport in Sanaa, prompting Houthi retaliation against a Saudi airport.
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Source:cnn