Jizan, Saudi Arabia, July 23: Maritime tensions in the Red Sea escalated sharply on Thursday after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers, an incident that has renewed fears over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy shipping corridors.
Saudi authorities confirmed that one of the vessels caught fire following the attack, though all crew members were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported. The incident comes amid growing instability linked to the wider regional conflict involving Iran and its allies, raising fresh concerns for global trade and oil transportation.
According to the Houthi movement, the operation targeted the Saudi-flagged tankers Encelia and Layla. The Iran-aligned group alleged that both vessels had breached a naval blockade it claims to have imposed on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. The Houthis said the strikes involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and armed drones launched in a coordinated assault.
Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, SPA, citing the General Transport Authority, confirmed that the tanker Encelia sustained damage after being struck while sailing in the Red Sea. The impact triggered a fire near the front section of the vessel, but emergency procedures ensured the safety of all crew members.
Authorities said firefighting operations were carried out promptly and the tanker was secured to prevent any threat to maritime navigation or the surrounding marine ecosystem. Officials also condemned the attack as a serious violation of international maritime law and warned that such actions pose risks to commercial shipping and regional stability.
Earlier in the day, maritime security sources reported that Encelia transmitted an emergency distress call over VHF radio after being hit by a projectile while operating near the outer port limits of Saudi Arabia’s Jizan. The crew informed nearby vessels and authorities that the ship had caught fire but remained afloat.
Private maritime intelligence firm Vanguard also reported that the Saudi-flagged tanker was struck on its starboard side by what it described as an unidentified projectile. According to its assessment, the attack occurred roughly 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq along the Saudi coastline.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors security incidents across regional waters, separately confirmed receiving reports of an attack involving a tanker in the same area. It stated that the vessel had been hit by an unknown object, causing a fire onboard that crew members were able to combat successfully.
UKMTO added that no injuries or pollution had been reported and investigations into the incident were continuing. While the agency did not identify the vessel involved, the location and timeline closely matched reports concerning Encelia.
The Houthis further claimed that another tanker, Layla, was also successfully targeted during the operation. However, independent confirmation of any damage to the second vessel had not been available at the time of reporting.
In addition to announcing the attacks, the group claimed its operations forced approximately ten commercial ships to alter their planned routes and retreat from the affected waters. Those assertions could not be independently verified.
Ship-tracking data nevertheless indicated increased caution among commercial operators. Several tankers reportedly modified their routes through the Red Sea after the Houthis warned shipping companies against using Saudi Arabian ports. At least two vessels redirected toward the Suez Canal instead of continuing on their original course.
The latest incident marks another significant escalation in threats facing international shipping in the Red Sea, a strategic waterway that handles a substantial share of global oil exports and container traffic connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Maritime analysts say repeated attacks on commercial vessels increase insurance costs, complicate shipping schedules and may force more operators to seek longer alternative routes around Africa if the security situation deteriorates further.
Energy markets are also closely monitoring developments, as any prolonged disruption in Red Sea traffic could affect global crude oil supply chains and freight costs. Although no immediate interruption to oil exports has been reported, continued attacks could increase volatility across international energy markets.
Regional security experts believe the attacks underscore the expanding maritime dimension of the broader conflict involving Iran-backed groups. The Houthis have repeatedly stated that they intend to continue targeting shipping they consider linked to countries opposing their interests, despite international naval patrols operating in the region.
Saudi officials have not announced any retaliatory measures but reiterated their commitment to protecting commercial navigation and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in their territorial waters. Authorities also said they remain in close coordination with international maritime partners to monitor developments and respond to any future threats.
The incident is expected to draw renewed international attention to maritime security in the Red Sea, where repeated attacks over the past two years have challenged freedom of navigation and increased pressure on global shipping companies operating through one of the world’s most important trade corridors.