The tanker’s crew reported being hit by an unknown projectile that sparked a fire. No injuries were reported, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq in Saudi Arabia.
Iran-backed Houthi militia said it attacked the vessels “Encelia” and “Layla” with missiles and drones. The militia justified the attack by claiming the tankers had violated a “naval blockade” it had declared. Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, citing an official source, confirmed the attack on the “Encelia” and the resulting fire.
The Houthis announced the blockade on Monday for Saudi ships, about a week after a new confrontation with Saudi Arabia, against which the militia has been waging war for more than a decade. The Houthis control northern Yemen and large parts of the Red Sea coast. From there, they can attack ships in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Source: Tagesschau
