An analysis of the Saudi oil tanker ENCELIA's movement shows it decelerated from 10 to 4 knots over 15 minutes, consistent with being hit, according to a technical assessment. The Houthis claimed to have struck the vessel, as The Zioneer reported, but the claim remains unverified.
A technical analysis of the Saudi oil tanker ENCELIA's movement, published tonight, shows that the vessel decelerated from 10 to 4 knots over 15 minutes, a pattern consistent with a strike. This analysis is the latest development in the Houthi attack saga, supporting the group's claim but not confirming it.
Earlier tonight (Thu 00:15 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported a series of Houthi claims and reports: initially, the Houthis announced they were enforcing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and attacked an oil tanker near Al-Shuqaiq, reportedly carrying 500,000 barrels of oil. Minutes later, unverified reports indicated the tanker was on fire. The UK Maritime Trade Operations warned that a tanker was struck by a projectile and was on fire. The Houthis then claimed responsibility for attacking two tankers, ENCELA and LAYLA, using missiles and drones, and threatened further operations. All claims remained unverified by independent sources.
The Houthi movement has been escalating its maritime operations, as The Zioneer reported earlier tonight, warning of continued actions against Saudi vessels. The group's spokesman explicitly linked the attack to the enforcement of a naval blockade on Saudi ports.
The technical analysis, while consistent with a strike, does not confirm that the deceleration was caused by a Houthi missile or drone. The tanker's current status, any damage, and the fate of the crew remain unconfirmed. Independent verification of the Houthi claims is still lacking.
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