The Houthi militia, allied with Iran, has attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea using rockets, cruise missiles, and drones. The attacks were described by the Houthi group as part of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, targeting ships they claim violated the blockade. According to reports, both vessels caught fire, and approximately ten other ships were forced to turn back. The Saudi state news agency confirmed that the bow of the Encelia was set on fire after an attack, and the UK Maritime Trade Office verified this information based on the ship’s captain. No injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 130 kilometers southwest of the Saudi coastal town of Al-Shuqaiq. The Houthi-controlled areas along the western coast of Yemen allow them to launch attacks into the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical global shipping route. This action could significantly disrupt global trade, as the Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime passages. For Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea has become increasingly vital due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to increased reliance on the Red Sea port of Yanbu for oil exports. The Hout
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event factually, citing multiple sources including the Houthi group, the Saudi state news agency, and the UK Maritime Trade Office. It provides context about the geopolitical situation involving the Houthi blockade and its implications for global trade and Saudi Arabia’s oil
