Houthis claim attack on oil tankers after US launches more strikes on Iran
BBC News 2026-07-23 02:33:04
Context: The Iranian-backed Houthis have claimed an attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, specifically in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping waterway and gateway to the Red Sea, after the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The Houthis' military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that they targeted the ships with drones and missiles for allegedly violating their naval blockade. This development escalates tensions in the region, where hostilities have already led to fluctuations in global fuel prices.
Key Facts
- The Houthis' military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles for allegedly violating their naval blockade.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) reported an "unknown projectile" struck a Saudi tanker about 130km from Al Shuqaiq in Saudi Arabia at 20:00 GMT, causing a fire but no casualties.
- US Central Command (Centcom) launched strikes at President Donald Trump's direction "to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters".
- Iranian state media reported two people had been killed in US strikes on the country's south near its border with Iraq, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz was "completely closed" after an explosion in the channel.
- The Houthis have "forced approximately ten ships to retreat and return" and at least seven oil tankers have made U-turns close to Yemen since the embargo was announced, according to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree.