Yemen’s Houthis has claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against commercial shipping in the busy maritime corridor.

The Iran-aligned group said the vessels, identified as Encela and Laylia, were targeted after allegedly violating a recently announced Houthi naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.

“We targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named ENCELA and LAYLIA, for their violation of the blockade decision issued by the armed forces,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said.

Mr Saree added that a “number of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones” caused fires onboard the ships which had forced “nearly ten ships… to abandon their routes, and turn back”.

There has been no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities or the ships’ operators regarding the extent of any damage.

The news comes after The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report a vessel had been struck 70 nautical miles south-west of Al Shuqaiq.

“The master of a tanker reports being struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a fire onboard that the crew are currently fighting,” UKMTO said.

The reported attacks come days after the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping, warning that vessels calling at Saudi Red Sea ports could be targeted.

The move has raised concerns over the security of a key global trade route and the potential impact on energy supplies.