Cairo: The conflict in the Middle East took another dangerous turn on Thursday after Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of one of the world's busiest shipping routes and the possibility of further disruptions to global energy supplies as fighting linked to Iran continues to spread across the region.
According to the Houthis, the attacks targeted the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla using missiles and drones. The group said the strikes were part of a newly announced naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning that vessels connected to the kingdom would no longer be allowed to pass safely through the Red Sea. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, said the action was a response to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Reuters reported that one of the tankers, the Encelia, suffered damage during the attack and issued a distress signal. The extent of the damage to the second vessel was not immediately clear, while shipping authorities continued to monitor the situation. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The attacks have increased fears over security in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Every year, millions of barrels of oil and large volumes of commercial goods pass through this route on their way to Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. Any prolonged disruption could have serious consequences for international trade and energy markets.
The latest development comes at a time when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure because of the growing confrontation between the United States and Iran. If both Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb face major disruptions at the same time, experts warn that the global supply of oil could be significantly affected.
Shipping companies have already begun responding to the new threat. Maritime tracking data showed that several commercial vessels changed course to avoid the southern Red Sea after the Houthis announced their blockade. Some companies are choosing longer routes around southern Africa despite the additional costs, hoping to reduce the risk to their crews and cargo.
Oil markets reacted quickly to the news. International crude prices rose again as traders worried that continued attacks on shipping could tighten global supplies. Analysts said investors are becoming increasingly concerned that a prolonged conflict could affect exports from major oil producing countries and lead to higher fuel prices around the world.
The United States strongly condemned the attacks and accused Iran of supporting Houthi military operations. American officials said freedom of navigation in international waters must be protected and warned that attacks on commercial shipping threaten global economic stability. The United States has continued military operations against Iranian targets in recent days, saying the strikes are intended to weaken Iran's military capabilities and protect regional security.
Iran has rejected accusations that it is directly responsible for the attacks while continuing to support the Houthis politically. Tehran has warned that further military action by the United States could lead to wider retaliation across the region.
Several governments have also expressed concern over the latest escalation. Pakistan condemned attacks on commercial shipping and called for respect for international law. At the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, diplomats from several countries urged all sides to reduce tensions and return to dialogue before the conflict expands even further.
Security experts say the Houthi announcement marks an important shift in the conflict. In recent months, many attacks in the Red Sea were aimed mainly at vessels linked to Israel. By directly targeting Saudi oil tankers, the Houthis have widened the scope of their campaign and increased the risk that more countries could become involved.
Military analysts also note that protecting commercial shipping across both the Red Sea and the Gulf has become an increasingly difficult task. Naval forces from several countries are already operating in the region, but the growing number of attacks means they face greater challenges in ensuring the safety of merchant vessels.
For now, shipping companies, governments and energy markets are watching developments closely. Whether the Houthis continue carrying out attacks on Saudi linked vessels or international diplomatic efforts succeed in easing tensions will play a major role in determining how the crisis develops in the coming days. With two of the world's most important maritime trade routes now facing security threats, the latest attacks have added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile Middle East situation.