A responsible source at the General Authority for Transport in Saudi Arabia, based on what was reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), stated that the ship (ENCELIA), owned by a Saudi entity, was attacked while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire in its forward section.

These field developments come amid ongoing and escalating tensions affecting vital shipping routes in the region.

The same source clarified that the entire crew of the ship survived without any human casualties, noting that the relevant authorities have moved to activate necessary measures to secure the navigational channel and protect the marine environment.

He added that 'these attacks are a violation of international laws and norms that ensure the safety of commercial ships and their crews.'

The Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi group claimed that it had targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea early Thursday morning (local time).

In a statement, the armed group identified the two targeted ships as 'Layla' (IMO number 9336098) and 'Encelia' (IMO number 9240172), both flying the Saudi flag.

A Houthi spokesman said that the two ships 'violated the blockade imposed in the Red Sea,' and claimed that the group attacked them using 'a number of drones and missiles.'

For its part, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) recorded an incident of a tanker being targeted by an unknown projectile while passing through the Red Sea, approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of the town of Al Shaqiq.

The agency stated that the projectile caused a fire, but no immediate reports of injuries or environmental damage were received, adding that authorities are investigating the matter.

CNN cannot independently verify these reports.

The Houthis had announced on Monday the 'imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi ships sailing through the Red Sea.'

Incidents of targeting commercial ships in regional and international waters pose a direct threat to the stability of global trade and supply chains. This incident underscores the rising security risks in the Red Sea due to ongoing hostile operations. International and regional bodies continue to monitor the situation and assess the environmental and navigational implications of these attacks. Meanwhile, diplomatic and security efforts remain ongoing to mitigate potential threats to commercial navigation.