Houthis claim strikes on Saudi Arabian oil tankers in Red Sea as Iran conflict expands

Men give a salute while standing over a depiction of the US flag during a demonstration by university students to show their support for the Houthi movement amid escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia, at the Sanaa University campus in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa on July 22, 2026.Mohammed Huwais | Afp | Getty ImagesThe Tehran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to open up a new front in the Middle East conflict as the U.S. completed its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran.Yemen's Houthis said Wednesday that they had targeted two Saudi Arabian oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, with drones and missiles for allegedly violating their maritime blockade. The attack, if confirmed, would mark the first since the militant group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirmed the Encelia was targeted while transiting the Red Sea, resulting in a fire at the bow of the vessel. Citing an unnamed official from the Transport General Authority, the agency reported all crew were safe and described the attack as a violation of international law. The SPA did not provide an upd...