A Saudi ship was hit by a missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, causing a fire on board. All crew members are safe.

The Saudi-owned vessel "Encelia" was attacked in the Red Sea, causing a fire in the front part of the ship, according to the Saudi state news agency SPA. An official source from the General Authority for Transport confirmed that all crew members are safe, and the authorities have taken measures to protect both the ship and the marine environment.

The attack was claimed by Houthi rebels from Yemen, who stated that they launched missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, including "Encelia", as part of a maritime embargo against the kingdom. Following the attacks, five oil tankers changed course in the Red Sea to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and three tankers loaded with oil destined for China and India turned back. Saudi oil shipments are essential, and the inability to pass through the southern strait of the Red Sea could lead to significant additional costs.