Saudi tanker burns after Red Sea Houthi attack

Houthi forces said Thursday they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while Saudi transport officials said the tanker Encelia caught fire at the bow and its crew was safe. Reaction pending.

The Houthis said the Encelia and Layla were targeted with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones after they allegedly breached a naval blockade the group says it has imposed on Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials did not identify the attacker, but described the assault as a violation of international law and said steps had been taken to secure the ship, protect the crew and limit environmental damage.

Encelia fire raises Red Sea risk

Maritime security reporting said the Encelia sent a distress call by VHF radio after being struck while operating near the outer port limits of Jizan. A separate maritime authority said a tanker master reported an unknown projectile had caused an onboard fire, with no casualties or environmental impact reported.

The incident adds pressure to the Red Sea corridor and the Bab al-Mandeb route, a key passage between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Any sustained threat to tankers can raise insurance costs, lengthen voyages and complicate oil flows for import-dependent economies.

US Central Command said American forces struck Iranian military targets, including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defense assets, in a 12th consecutive night of operations directed by President Donald Trump.

By July 24, shipping operators and energy traders will be watching whether the Layla claim is confirmed, whether more vessels are redirected, and whether Saudi or US forces widen protective operations around Red Sea tanker routes.