Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacking a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, saying the vessel is now engulfed in flames. The Zioneer earlier reported (at 01:50 Jerusalem) that footage showed a Saudi oil tanker on fire after a reported Houthi missile strike. The extent of damage and any casualties remain unconfirmed.
Yemen's Houthi movement formally claimed responsibility early Thursday for attacking a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, stating the vessel is now engulfed in flames. The claim, received by The Zioneer at approximately 04:42 Jerusalem, follows a series of reports overnight.
The Zioneer first reported at 00:39 Jerusalem that AIS data showed the Saudi tanker ENCELIA slowing as the Houthis announced a military statement. Minutes later, reports emerged that the Saudi tanker Ansilia, carrying 110,000 metric tons of crude oil, was ablaze after a Houthi attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed a Houthi attack on a tanker 70 nautical miles off Al-Shuwaik. At 00:39, The Zioneer reported that the Houthis claimed to have struck two tankers, with one on fire, and that unverified footage showed a tanker engulfed in flames. At 01:50 Jerusalem, The Zioneer again cited the footage as the Houthis' claim remained unconfirmed. Now, the Houthis have issued a formal statement of responsibility.
The attack comes amid heightened Houthi maritime threats. As The Zioneer reported on Wednesday (Jul 22, 20:33 Jerusalem), five oil tankers rerouted in the Red Sea after the Houthis warned vessels against docking at Saudi ports, declaring a naval blockade. The Houthis have also used fast attack boats and missiles against other vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea in recent weeks.
The extent of damage to the tanker, the status of its crew, and the precise location of the attack remain unconfirmed. The Zioneer is monitoring the situation.
9 developments
Source and signal
- Internal intake