The Saudi tanker Encelia was struck by Houthi ballistic and Cruise Missiles and drones in the Bab al-Mandab on 22 July, with Saudi Arabia's state news agency confirming a fire on the bow and the crew safe. The strike came alongside a Houthi-declared blockade of Saudi-linked shipping that has already cut Saudi crude loadings through the strait by 36% over two weeks.

The attack was one of two claimed against Saudi tankers that day; the Houthis also claimed a strike on the tanker Layla, though Saudi authorities have not confirmed that hit. Brent Crude crossed $100 a barrel within a day of the strikes, its first time above that level since 26 May, as traders tied the jump directly to the tanker attacks, and at least seven vessels diverted away from the strait.

Common Questions

What happened to the Saudi tanker Encelia?

Houthi missiles, drones and Cruise Missiles struck the Encelia in the Bab al-Mandab on 22 July, and Saudi Arabia's state news agency confirmed a bow fire with the crew SAFE.Source: Saudi Press Agency

Why did Brent crude cross $100 a barrel in July 2026?

Traders tied the jump directly to the Houthi tanker strikes on the Encelia and Layla, pushing Brent above $100 for the first time since 26 May.Source: event

Is the crew of the Encelia safe?

Yes. Saudi Arabia's state news agency confirmed the crew was SAFE despite a fire on the bow.Source: Saudi Press Agency

How many ships have avoided the Bab al-Mandab strait?

At least seven vessels have diverted away from the strait since the tanker strikes, according to ship-tracking data.Source: event

How the World Sees Them

Houthis

The Houthis claim the strike as part of a declared naval blockade of Saudi-linked shipping through the Bab al-Mandab.

Oil markets

Traders tied the strike directly to Brent's jump above $100, its highest since 26 May.

Saudi Arabia

State media confirmed a bow fire on the Encelia and said the crew was safe. Riyadh treats the strike as part of a wider Houthi blockade.