Houthis Attack Saudi Tankers in Red Sea

The Houthi movement launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at two Saudi-bound oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the vessels were targeted for violating a group-imposed embargo on ships docking at Saudi ports.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed a strike on a tanker southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in an onboard fire. A Saudi official confirmed the Saudi-owned Encelia sustained fire damage. Despite the attacks, commercial shipping continues, though vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level in two months.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia condemned the attacks as contrary to international law and the principle of freedom of navigation, urging a peaceful, UN-backed resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs also unequivocally condemned the threats. Greece reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, noting its continued deployment of a PATRIOT missile battery in Yanbu since 2021, and expressed support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg's diplomatic efforts to reach a political settlement.