Houthi attack on Saudi tankers signals vulnerability of alternative maritime routes (decode39.com)

• Houthi attack on two Saudi tankers (Encelia and Layla) on July 23, 2026
• Houthi naval blockade announced earlier that week, stretching from Bab el-Mandeb into southern Red Sea
• Brent crude rose above $99/bbl on fears of simultaneous disruption at Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
• Alternative Saudi route via Yanbu pipeline now under threat
• US President Trump warns of military action against Houthis and Iran
• EU Operation Aspides faces dilemma between defensive mandate and evolving blockade

"On July 23, 2026, Houthi forces struck two Saudi oil tankers (Encelia and Layla) near Bab el-Mandeb, escalating a naval blockade announced earlier that week. The attack targets the Saudi strategy of diverting oil exports from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea via the East-West pipeline and Yanbu terminal, exposing the fragility of the Indo-Mediterranean's energy resilience. Brent crude rose above $99/barrel. The US warned of major retaliation including Iran. The EU's defensive Operation Aspides faces pressure to adapt."