Houthis Declare Naval Blockade Against Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Tensions
The Houthi movement in Yemen has declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and has carried out attacks on two oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the Encelia and Layla tankers using missiles and drones, with the Encelia issuing a distress call after being struck near the Saudi port of Jizan late Wednesday. The reported attack on Layla had not been independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
The Houthi naval blockade is seen as an 'eye for an eye' response to Saudi Arabia's attacks on Sanaa International Airport, which was carried out as a plane carrying Houthi officials returned from Iran. The Houthis have warned vessels against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports.
The blockade has raised concerns that disruption around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could add another pressure point to global shipping alongside the Strait of Hormuz, with several vessels already changing direction following Houthi warnings.