Sanaa: Yemens Houthi group stated on Thursday that they executed a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers using ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.

According to Nam News Network, the operation was aimed at the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla, accusing them of breaching the group's maritime blockade.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the strikes successfully hit their targets, compelling nearly 10 vessels to retreat. He emphasized that the group's armed forces intend to persist with maritime operations against Saudi Arabia, adhering to a blockade-for-blockade strategy. Moreover, Saree issued a warning that any assault on Yemen would trigger significant operations deep within Saudi territory.

Earlier reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency indicated that a fire erupted on a tanker following a projectile strike approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shaqiq, Saudi Arabia. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Subsequently, Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority (TGA), as reported by the official SPA news agency, verified that the Encelia was targeted while navigating the Red Sea, resulting in a fire at the vessel's bow. An official from the authority confirmed that all crew members were unharmed and that authorities have implemented necessary measures to secure the vessel, its crew, and safeguard the marine environment. The official condemned the attack as a breach of international laws and conventions that ensure the safety of commercial vessels and their crews.

This development follows the Houthis' announcement of a maritime navigation ban to Saudi Arabia on Monday, which prompted the Saudi-led coalition to pledge a decisive and robust response while initiating measures to protect vessels traversing the Bab al-Mandab Strait.