Houthis Blockade Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Attack Saudi Tankers

The Houthi rebels declared a naval blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on July 20, 2026, targeting shipping linked to Saudi Arabia. Citing retaliation for Saudi military intervention in Yemen and a recent attack on the Sanaa airport, the group launched drone and missile strikes against the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla. The Saudi Arabian news agency SPA confirmed that the Encelia caught fire approximately 80 nautical miles off Al Shuqaiq, though the crew remained safe.

To enforce the blockade, the Houthis plan to utilize naval mines, explosive boats, drones, and helicopters. Despite these threats, two Chinese state-owned tankers, the Xin Long Yang and Cosnew Lake, successfully exited the Red Sea through the strait on July 23 while carrying Saudi crude from Yanbu. The Houthis have reportedly granted safe passage to Chinese vessels, who face lower risks than Western ships.

This maritime escalation coincides with a severe decline in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to 12 consecutive nights of U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets. Saudi military officials vowed to keep the Bab el-Mandeb open, labeling Houthi actions as maritime piracy. International reactions include condemnation from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the governments of Bahrain and Kuwait. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the Houthis were influenced by Iran to enter the conflict, providing Tehran with additional regional leverage. The disruption has contributed to Brent crude prices exceeding $100 a barrel.