US Intensifies Strikes on Iran as Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers
United States forces carried out airstrikes for the twelfth consecutive night against Iran, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The latest operation targeted Iranian maritime facilities, missile and drone storage sites, coastal surveillance locations and air defence assets.
The US military said the series of strikes was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian sailors in regional waters, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump also said the United States would destroy one bridge or one power plant for every Iranian attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest operation focuses on civilian and economic infrastructure targets, amid an expansion of both sides’ military campaigns on the world’s principal energy and shipping routes.
CENTCOM reported that US forces had diverted nine commercial vessels and disabled one ship in recent weeks to limit traffic to and from Iranian ports.
More than 50,000 US military personnel are currently deployed in the Middle East on high alert as tensions with Tehran continue to rise.
Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea
Meanwhile, the Iran-affiliated Houthi group in Yemen said it had targeted two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea, Encelia and Layla, with ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The Houthis accused both vessels of violating the naval blockade announced earlier this week.
Maritime security sources told the Reuters news agency that Encelia sent a distress signal after reporting it had been hit by a missile and caught fire near the port of Jizan.
The maritime security firms Vanguard and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that a tanker had been struck by an unidentified projectile in the same area, causing a fire on board. No casualties were reported.
UKMTO said the vessel’s captain reported the incident occurred approximately 130 kilometres south-west of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia. The Houthis also claimed to have targeted a second vessel, Layla, although the report could not be independently verified.
The attacks came days after the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi ports on the Red Sea. Ship-tracking data showed several tankers changing course on Wednesday (22/01) after the group warned vessels to avoid Saudi ports.