Houthis claim attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea

The Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia reported being hit by a shell about 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi port of al-Shuqaiq. A fire started on board, which the crew fought. There were no reports of casualties or sea pollution.

The UK Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO) confirmed it had received reports of an incident in the same area. At the same time, UKMTO did not officially name the attacked vessel, but the location and circumstances coincide with the data on Encelia.

The Houthis also claimed to have hit the Layla tanker, but this attack has not yet been independently confirmed.

The group claims that both vessels violated its declared naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.