Yemen’s Houthis Claim Attack on Two Saudi Oil Tankers Amid Red Sea Blockade Threat

Yemen’s Houthi movement, **Ansar Allah**, has claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers, alleging that the vessels violated a maritime blockade announced by the group.

In a statement, Ansar Allah said the naval operation was carried out against ships that continued their voyage despite prior warnings. The group described the attack as a response to what it called the ongoing blockade imposed on Yemen.

Meanwhile, the **Saudi Press Agency (SPA)** reported that a Saudi-owned oil tanker came under attack while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire to break out in the vessel’s bow. The agency said all crew members were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported.

Earlier, the **United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)** also reported a fire aboard a vessel approximately **70 nautical miles** off the Saudi coastal city of **Al Shuqaiq**. According to the ship’s captain, the blaze started after the vessel was struck by a missile.

Initial reports indicated that there were no injuries and no signs of environmental damage resulting from the incident.

The attack follows the Houthis’ recent announcement of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group’s spokesman said the move was in response to the blockade on Yemen and the continued closure of **Sanaa International Airport**.

The Houthis warned that if restrictions on Yemen remain in place, they may continue targeting Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea.

Analysts say that attacks on commercial vessels and threats of a maritime blockade in the Red Sea could further disrupt global shipping, energy supplies, and regional security.