Houthi Rebels Attack Two Saudi Oil Tankers, Escalating Iran-US Conflict

The conflict between Iran and the US escalated on Thursday as Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, potentially widening the war. The Houthis' SABA news agency said they struck the Encelia and Layla tankers, causing fires on both but no reported casualties.

The attack comes after Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier this week in retaliation for the kingdom's blockade on Yemen. The Red Sea route is a vital shipping chokepoint connecting the sea to the Gulf of Aden, with around 12% of the world's trade passing through it.

The US Central Command said the latest barrage was designed to 'further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.' The strikes ended shortly before 5 am local time Friday. President Donald Trump threatened 'major military punishment' against the Houthis if their attacks on ships continue.

Iran has responded to US attacks by targeting energy infrastructure and desalination plants providing drinking water in neighboring Gulf countries. Iran's health ministry said Thursday that 55 people have been killed and 629 wounded since renewed US airstrikes began on June 27.