Image for representation purposes only Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said on Thursday it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, while Saudi authorities confirmed one vessel caught fire. The attacks were reported as the United States launched a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, adding to regional tensions. The Houthis said they targeted the Saudi-flagged tankers Encelia and Layla with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, claiming the vessels had violated a naval blockade the group announced against Saudi Arabia earlier this week. The group also said it would continue enforcing the blockade and claimed around 10 ships had turned back because of its operations. Saudi state news agency SPA confirmed that Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire on the ship’s bow. It said all crew members were safe but did not identify who carried out the attack. The reported strike on Layla has not been independently confirmed. A maritime security source said Encelia sent a distress call over VHF radio after reporting it had been hit by a missile near the outer port limits of Saudi Arabia’s Jizan port in the Red Sea. British maritime security company Vanguard also reported that the Saudi tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile about 70 nautical miles (130 km) southwest of Al Shuqaiq. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it received a report from the master of a tanker in the same area saying an unknown projectile caused a fire on board. There were no casualties. It was not immediately clear whether the report referred to Encelia, although the location and details were similar. The Houthis announced the naval blockade on Monday and warned ships against using Saudi Red Sea ports. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the attacks were carried out because the vessels had violated the blockade and said the group would continue its naval operations. Mohammed al-Basha, a U.S.-based