Arab media outlets are circulating video footage of a Saudi oil tanker that was struck by Houthi forces overnight, showing the vessel engulfed in flames at sea. The attack was reported earlier, and the footage serves as visual confirmation of the aftermath. No further details on the ship's identity or casualties have been released.
Arab media networks today (Thursday) released video footage of a Saudi oil tanker engulfed in flames, providing visual confirmation of the Houthi attack that unfolded overnight. The footage release follows a rapid sequence of reports from early Thursday morning (00:39 Jerusalem), beginning with AIS data showing the tanker ENCELIA slowing, followed by unverified images of a vessel ablaze, UKMTO confirmation of an attack 70 nautical miles off Al-Shuwaik, Houthi claims of responsibility for striking two tankers, Saudi media confirmation, and finally confirmation that all crew members are safe.
The thread of reports evolved quickly: at 00:39 Jerusalem, AIS tracking indicated the ENCELIA had reduced speed; within the same hour, unverified footage showed a tanker on fire; UKMTO reported the attack; the Houthis claimed responsibility; Saudi sources confirmed the strike and later that the crew was unharmed. Today's footage, circulated by Arab outlets, adds visual corroboration to these earlier reports, though its authenticity and the specific identity of the tanker remain unverified.
The Houthi maritime campaign against Saudi shipping has been intensifying. As The Zioneer reported on July 14, pro-Iranian channels published footage of a Houthi strike on a Saudi airport. On July 18, Saudi sources said the Houthis used Somali militants in the hijacking of the chemical tanker Asana in the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for striking the tankers ENCELIA and LAYLA this month. In a related development, an Israeli submarine reportedly surfaced in the Red Sea on Thursday morning amid the heightened tensions (The Zioneer, Thu 06:14 Jerusalem).
What remains open: The footage has not been independently authenticated, and the exact identity of the burning tanker has not been confirmed. While Saudi sources have stated that all crew members are safe, the extent of damage to the vessel and any potential environmental impact from the fire are still unclear.
10 developments
- StrongPro-Iranian channels publish footage of Houthi strike on Saudi airport
- DevelopingHouthi fast attack boats strike oil tanker near the Gulf of Aden
- DevelopingOil tanker attacked by small boats off Yemen's Aden coast, report says
- StrongHouthis claim second Saudi oil tanker hit; ground clashes reported in southern Yemen
Source and signal
- Internal intake