Houthi fire missiles at 2 Saudi tankers in Red Sea

Houthi militants in Yemen said they fired missiles, cruise missiles and drones at two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea after accusing them of violating a maritime blockade announced on 20 July. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the attacks sparked fires aboard the ships. Saudi Press Agency confirmed Encelia was attacked, but said all crew members were safe. UKMTO also reported that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile and caught fire. Tensions have risen after Saudi-backed Yemeni authorities struck Sanaa airport on 13 July. A day earlier, Houthi also said they forced six ships in the Red Sea to change course to avoid the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key route for Saudi oil exports amid pressure on the Strait of Hormuz.