Houthis Claim Responsibility for Missile Strike on Saudi Oil Tankers
The Houthi movement in Yemen has claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELIA and LAYLA, in the Red Sea. According to maritime security reports, one of the vessels, Encelia, was struck by a missile while operating near Saudi Arabia's Jizan.
A British maritime risk management group, Vanguard, confirmed that Encelia was hit on its starboard side about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq at 2000 GMT. The master of the tanker reported being struck by an unknown projectile, which caused a fire onboard.
The Houthis stated that they targeted the tankers with ballistic and cruise missiles for violating their naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. However, it remains unclear whether the UKMTO report referred to Encelia or another vessel.