Yemen's Houthi Rebels Attack Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea; US Continues Airstrikes on Iran

Sana. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers using drones and missiles in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the US has continued airstrikes on Iran for the 12th consecutive night, further escalating tensions in West Asia.

According to Iranian state media, two people were killed in the US airstrikes on Wednesday. Additionally, it is claimed that a fire broke out in an oil tanker after an explosion in a mine-laden route in the Strait of Hormuz, and two other tankers were prevented from proceeding.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had warned that if Iran attacked any ship in the Strait of Hormuz, he would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant. He also stated that if the Houthis blocked the Red Sea, they would also be given a 'strong response'. If confirmed, this would be the first attack by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia since the declaration of a maritime blockade.

The Houthis have claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers named Al-Enslah and Al-Laheej. However, the attack on Al-Laheej has not been independently confirmed. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the ships had violated the Houthi maritime blockade and were attacked with drones and missiles. He also said that the strategy of 'blockade in response to blockade' would continue.

Saudi state news agency SPA confirmed that Al-Enslah was hit while traveling in the Red Sea. Although the front of the ship caught fire due to the attack, all crew members are reported to be safe. 

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that an unknown projectile hit an oil tanker about 130 kilometers off the Saudi coast, causing a fire but no casualties.

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that airstrikes were carried out on Iranian military targets under the direction of President Trump. The strikes reportedly targeted maritime military capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense systems. 

According to CENTCOM, these actions were taken to ensure the safety of commercial ships traveling through regional waterways. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that two people were killed in the US airstrikes in southern Iran. 

According to them, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is completely blocked. Three oil tankers were prevented from passing through the waterway, with one tanker catching fire and two others turning back.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the US attack will be answered in a ' an eye for an eye' style. Earlier, Trump had stated that if the Houthis blocked the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, action would be taken against them as well. 

The Houthis had announced the implementation of a maritime blockade in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait targeting Saudi ships since Monday.