Houthis Strike Two Saudi Oil Tankers in First Use of Red Sea Blockade

Houthi forces hit Saudi oil tankers ENCELA and LAYLIA near Hodeidah on 22 July 2026 using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, per spokesperson Yahya Saree. The strike operationalized a maritime blockade imposed 20 July after Yemen's government bombed Houthi-controlled Sanaa Airport. UKMTO confirmed a tanker was struck. Saudi Arabia has not commented. Two additional Saudi crude tankers made U-turns in the Red Sea.