Qatar condemns Houthi attack on Saudi tanker as Red Sea tensions rise

Qatar has condemned the targeting of a Saudi vessel in the Red Sea, saying the attack endangered international navigation, global energy supplies and regional stability.Houthi attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have drawn condemnation from Qatar, which warned the strikes risk further escalating tensions and violating international maritime law.The attacks came after the Houthis announced immediate restrictions on maritime navigation linked to Saudi Arabia. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said vessels associated with Saudi ports would be targeted under an “eye for an eye” response, warning shipping companies against operating in Saudi ports.According to Anadolu Agency, the Houthis targeted the Saudi oil tankers Encelia and Layla with ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, claiming the vessels had violated the group’s maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.Saudi authorities said Encelia was struck while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the bow of the vessel. All crew members were reported safe, while emergency measures were taken to secure the tanker and protect the surrounding marine environment.بيان القوات المسلحة اليمنية بشأن تنفيذ عملية عسكرية نوعية استهدفت سفينتين نفطيتين سعوديتين إحداهما تحمل اسم "ENCELIA" والأخرى "LAYLA"لمخالفتهما قرار الحظر الصادر عن عن القوات المسلحة.وذلك بعدد من الصواريخ الباليستية والمجنحة والطائرات المسيرة. pic.twitter.com/EelTc6hQng— العميد يحيى سريع (@Yahya_Saree) July 22, 2026 Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as a serious violation of maritime safety and international law, warning they could trigger a dangerous escalation. It called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken by the kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and interests, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of Qatar’s and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council’s security.Qatar also praised Oman’s continued coordination with Saudi Arabia, Yemeni parties and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen to resume the political process and revive the roadmap aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.