Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Houthi Strikes Hit Two Saudi Tankers, Brent Tops $95

7/23/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Houthi Tanker Attack

The Yemen-backed Houthi movement said it attacked the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026.
Saudi Press Agency confirmed a fire on the Encelia’s bow and reported that all crew members were unharmed.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported projectile hit a tanker 130 km from Al Shuqaiq, causing fire.
U.S. Central Command said strikes hit Iranian missile and drone sites, lowering threats to vessels.

Left

Houthis Attack

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement said it attacked the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026.
The attacks lifted Brent crude above $95 a barrel, sparking global consumer-price concerns.
Houthis said they used missiles and drones, claiming the ships violated their naval blockade.
Vanguard reported the Encelia was struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq.

Blindspot

Blindspot

The Left-leaning sources reported that the July 22, 2026 attacks pushed Brent crude above $95 a barrel, raising global concerns for consumers.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage overall across the reporting.

History

Historical Context

After the September 2019 Houthi drone strike that cut Saudi Aramco output by roughly 5.7 million barrels per day and sent Brent up 20 percent, the rebels have repeatedly targeted Gulf oil assets. On 22 July 2026 they hit the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea, prompting NATO navies and U.S. Central Command to boost maritime security.

1 of 4

Houthi Tanker Attack

The Yemen-backed Houthi movement said it attacked the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026.
Saudi Press Agency confirmed a fire on the Encelia’s bow and reported that all crew members were unharmed.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported projectile hit a tanker 130 km from Al Shuqaiq, causing fire.
U.S. Central Command said strikes hit Iranian missile and drone sites, lowering threats to vessels.

1 / 4