Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Transport confirmed on Thursday that the ENCELIA, a vessel operated by a Saudi company, was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire in the ship’s bow.
A senior official at the authority told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that all crew members are safe, adding that the relevant authorities have taken all necessary measures to secure the vessel, ensure the safety of its crew, and protect the marine environment.
The official described the attack as a violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee the safety of commercial vessels and their crews.
Earlier, Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers. Maritime security reports indicated that one of the vessels identified by the group—the Saudi-flagged tanker ENCELIA—had been struck in the Red Sea.
The Houthis said the tankers, ENCELIA and Layla, had violated what they described as a maritime blockade imposed on Saudi Arabia. The group claimed it targeted the vessels using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Source: Reuters
