On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Houthi rebels in Yemen carried out military operations against Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) from the Saudi port of Al Shuqaiq, resulting in a fire on board that the crew attempted to extinguish. No casualties or environmental pollution were reported.

The Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the operation, identifying the two targeted vessels as the Encelia and the Layla. The group stated that these attacks were conducted using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, asserting that the ships had violated a maritime blockade the rebels declared against Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The insurgents further claimed that their actions forced ten other vessels to reverse course and flee the area.

This incident follows the rebels' Monday announcement of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis had been issuing warnings via radio to vessels in the region leading up to the attack. As of now, the situation remains tense as international maritime authorities monitor the security risks in the Red Sea.