Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] The Houthis, part of the Yemeni rebel movement Ansar Allah, announced that they had struck two oil tankers in retaliation for violating Saudi Arabia's naval blockade. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sariyeh told the Tasnim news agency on July 23.
As Saria clarified, Yemeni Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil vessels that violated the blockade imposed in the Red Sea. One of the vessels was named "ENCELIA," and the other, "LAYLA."
The operation involved the use of several ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. A Houthi spokesman noted that the attacks resulted in fires on both tankers. Additionally, approximately 10 vessels were forced to abandon their route and turn around.
Earlier, Yemen's Houthis announced the beginning of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. In their statement, the Houthis warned that they reserve the right to a comprehensive escalation in response to Riyadh's actions.
On July 17, Iran asked Yemen's Ansar Allah movement to prepare to shut down key oil arteries in the Red Sea in the event of a US attack on the country's energy infrastructure.
Last week, Yemen's Houthis attacked Abha International Airport in retaliation for the Saudi air force's attack on Sana'a Airport. This breached the ceasefire between the Saudis and the Iran-backed Houthis, which had been in effect since 2022.
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[IsraelTimes] Ship broker says Yemeni rebels’ announced blockade on Saudi ports ‘has begun to have an overall effect on tanker activity,’ further straining regional shipping amid Hormuz conflict