Yemeni Forces Claim Missile and Drone Attack on Saudi Oil Tankers

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Yemeni armed forces, announced that Yemeni forces had carried out missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, identified as ENCELIA and LAYLA, in the Red Sea. In a statement issued on Thursday, Saree claimed the vessels had violated what he described as Yemen’s maritime embargo, prompting what he called a “high-quality military operation.”

According to Saree, the attack involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in what he described as a direct hit that caused a fire aboard the targeted vessels. Yemeni media outlet Al-Masirah TV quoted the spokesman as saying the operation also forced around 10 ships to retreat and turn back from the area.

Saree said Yemeni forces would continue naval operations against Saudi-linked targets, stating that the campaign was intended to enforce the principle of “an eye for an eye.” He also warned that any further military action against Yemen would be met with what he described as a large-scale retaliatory operation targeting sites deep inside Saudi territory.