Yemen / Anadolu Agency

The Yemeni Houthi group announced Wednesday evening that it had targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles and drones, causing a fire on them. Riyadh did not immediately comment.

This alleged targeting comes amid the ongoing escalation between the Houthis and the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen.

The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, issued a statement broadcast by the group's Al-Masirah satellite channel.

Saree said: 'The Yemeni armed forces (affiliated with the Houthis) carried out a qualitative military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers that violated the ban decision issued by the armed forces in the Red Sea, one named ENCELA and the other LAYLA,' as he put it.

Saree added that the operation was carried out using 'a number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, and the hit was precise and caused a large fire on both.'

Saree claimed that the group's forces 'forced about ten ships to retreat and return.'

There was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities on this statement.

Last Monday, Yahya Saree announced in a video statement a 'maritime navigation ban' on Saudi Arabia, claiming it was in response to a blockade imposed by Riyadh, asserting that the decision was effective immediately upon announcement.

Saudi Arabia responded to the Houthi statement, confirming that it would take 'all necessary measures to protect its ships,' in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Saudi-led coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen also vowed to respond 'with all decisiveness and force' to Houthi threats against ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait, announcing the start of measures to protect its vessels.

On Monday, the Houthis announced a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, claiming it was in response to a blockade imposed by Riyadh. Saudi Arabia pledged to take all necessary measures to protect its ships under international law. The coalition also threatened a firm and forceful response to any threats in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. There was no immediate comment from Riyadh on the alleged targeting.