Houthi Blockade of Saudi Oil Tankers Opens Strategic Opportunity for Russia

A missile strike by Yemen's Houthi movement on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, accompanied by the announcement of a maritime blockade, has created what the author describes as a new window of opportunity for Russia. Houthis Launch Blockade of Saudi Tankers The armed forces of Yemen's Ansar Allah movement launched a missile attack on the Saudi oil tanker Encelia, officially announcing the start of a full-scale maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. On July 20, Sana'a's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) sent emails to shipping companies stating that vessels were prohibited from loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports. The notice warned that ships could become targets anywhere within the operational range of Yemen's armed forces. The Houthis said the blockade was imposed in response to Saudi Arabia's recent attack on Sana'a International Airport. The strikes were carried out on July 22 in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the Encelia was struck by a missile on its starboard side about 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi city of Al Shuqaiq, causing a fire to break out on board. The crew issued a distress signal, and no casualties have been reported.