The Yemeni Houthi group, backed by Tehran, reported in the early hours of Thursday that it targeted two oil tankers flying the Saudi flag in the Red Sea, a step described as the first practical implementation of its previous threats to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea is a vital waterway for global trade, and the region has witnessed escalating tensions against the backdrop of the war in Yemen.

Here is what we know about the two tankers:

The Houthis, who are among Iran's key allies in the region, announced that the targeted vessels are 'Ensilia' and 'Layla,' both flying the Saudi flag, according to MarineTraffic, a specialized maritime tracking agency.

MarineTraffic clarified that the vessel 'Layla' (identified by its unique IMO number 9336098) is listed as a loaded crude oil tanker, while 'Ensilia' (IMO number 9240172) is classified as a loaded oil products tanker.

Mariscex, a maritime consultancy firm, reported Thursday that the two attacks occurred approximately 70 nautical miles (80 miles) off the Saudi coast, and clarified that the oil tanker 'Ensilia' was damaged after being hit by a projectile, while the vessel 'Layla' was also 'targeted.'

Satellite images from NASA appear to show the Ensilia on fire in the Red Sea.

Mariscex said: 'These incidents represent the first clear execution of the naval blockade recently declared by the Houthis on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.'

It added: 'There is a risk that the Houthis may expand their interpretation of "Saudi-linked shipping" to include foreign-flagged vessels trading with Saudi ports, carrying Saudi goods, or operating under Saudi commercial interests.'

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that an oil tanker was targeted 70 nautical miles (about 80 miles) southwest of the Saudi city of Al Shuqaiq, but the center did not disclose the name of the vessel.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the Ensilia was attacked while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire in its bow, citing an unnamed official at the Saudi General Transport Authority. The agency did not comment on the Layla in its report.

This attack comes after Houthi threats to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, reflecting an escalation in the Yemeni conflict. Maritime consultancy firms believe the Houthis may expand their targeting to include foreign ships dealing with Saudi ports. Saudi authorities have not officially commented on the incident, while the General Transport Authority only referred to the targeting of 'Ensilia' without mentioning 'Layla.' The international community is closely monitoring these developments, especially given the importance of the Red Sea for maritime navigation.