Houthi Attacks on Saudi Tankers Push Oil Prices Higher
Houthi fighters said they struck two Saudi Arabian oil tankers. The attacks happened in the Red Sea.
The ships were named Encelia and Layla. Houthis used missiles and drones in the attack.
They said the tankers broke their sea blockade. Saudi officials confirmed a fire on the Encelia's front section.
The crew was reported safe. Saudi officials have not confirmed the Layla strike.
One tanker was carrying oil to China. The other was headed to India.
After the attacks Brent crude oil rose above $98 a barrel. US oil prices rose above $90 a barrel.
Reports say seven ships changed course to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Two Chinese supertankers plan to leave the Red Sea through that same strait on Thursday.
Together they carry 4 million barrels of Saudi oil. President Trump threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure.
His threat added to the rising oil prices. The threat came during the 12th straight night of US strikes on Iran.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he hopes Houthis will calm down. Rubio said he believes Iran tricked the Houthis into attacking.
Key Terms 4
- Houthis An armed group in Yemen that controls parts of the country.
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait A narrow sea passage near Yemen used by oil ships.
- Brent crude A major type of oil used to set world oil prices.
- Secretary of State The top US official handling relations with other countries.