The attack signals that another major global oil shipping route could come under threat after the Strait of Hormuz, as hostilities between Iran and the United States continue to escalate.
The Houthis said they used missiles and drones to strike the two tankers, Encelia and Layla, as they were heading toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Reports indicate that the Chinese-operated vessels were carrying a combined four million barrels of petroleum products. The attack took place on July 23, 2026.
Following the incident, other oil tankers reportedly altered their routes, steering clear of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea.
Maritime security officials said the Encelia issued a distress signal after the Houthis claimed to have attacked it near the Saudi port of Jizan.
The Houthis had previously warned that they would block Saudi oil shipping routes if the United States launched strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Analysts warn that any disruption to shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could push global oil prices even higher and affect the cost of many other goods.
While about 20 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day, approximately 6 million barrels move through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait daily. Both waterways are considered critical to global energy markets.
Meanwhile, U.S. forces continue carrying out strikes on Iranian military installations and energy infrastructure, while Iran has maintained attacks on U.S. military bases across the Middle East.
