Houthis Strike Saudi Tanker Encelia in Red Sea, Marking Resumption of Hostilities

Houthi forces struck two Saudi-flagged oil tankers in the Red Sea on July 22 - the Encelia and the Layla - in the first confirmed attack since the group announced a blockade of Saudi seaports. The strikes mark the resumption of Houthi maritime hostilities after a year of relative calm in the Red Sea.

The strike on Encelia has been confirmed by maritime security firm Vanguard Tech. The vessel was hit on the starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing a fire on board. The crew responded with active firefighting operations. The reported strike on Layla remains unconfirmed - the vessel's AIS signal has been dark for several days and its position is unknown. UKMTO has logged a strike on one tanker only.

Brent crude prices rose five percent to $95 per barrel following news of the strikes. Saudi Arabia's western port of Yanbu, which handles approximately five percent of global oil supply, is a primary target of the Houthi blockade.

Investigation into both strikes is ongoing. No independent investigation authority has been confirmed.