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Houthi rebels hit two Saudi tankers, declare maritime embargo

7/23/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Houthi rebels said they attacked Saudi oil tankers ENCELA and LAYLIA on July 20.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an unknown projectile struck a tanker, causing a fire about 130 km from Al-Shuqaiq in Jazan province.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree announced an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, saying the attacks used missiles and drones, forced nearly ten ships to abandon routes, and invoked an “eye for an eye” principle.

History

Historical Context

In March 2015 the Gulf Cooperation Council backed Saudi Arabia’s coalition intervention in Yemen, prompting Houthi rebels to launch missile strikes on Aramco’s Al-Shuqaiq facilities that cut output by about 5 %—roughly 200,000 barrels per day—and triggered 30 UN-recorded Red Sea maritime incidents. The attacks underscored the Red Sea’s strategic fragility and spurred expanded multinational naval patrols.

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Story summary

Houthi rebels said they attacked Saudi oil tankers ENCELA and LAYLIA on July 20.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an unknown projectile struck a tanker, causing a fire about 130 km from Al-Shuqaiq in Jazan province.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree announced an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, saying the attacks used missiles and drones, forced nearly ten ships to abandon routes, and invoked an “eye for an eye” principle.

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