Houthis Resume Attacks on Shipping, Claim Strikes on Two Saudi Tankers

Yemen’s Houthi movement has resumed direct attacks on commercial shipping, claiming responsibility for strikes on two Saudi oil tankers just minutes after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a tanker had been hit southwest of Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement issued Wednesday by the Yemeni Armed Forces, the Houthis said they targeted the tankers Encelia and Layla after accusing them of violating the group’s recently declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.

The group said the operation involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, claiming both vessels were set ablaze.

“The Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation