Yemeni Houthi rebels have attacked two Saudi Arabian tanker ships in the Red Sea, claiming they targeted vessels named Anselia and Layla simultaneously using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The rebel group claims the attacks caused fires on both vessels.

Following the assault, the Houthis stated that Saudi Arabia has imposed a blockade on ordinary Yemeni citizens for the past twelve years, and the naval blockade now placed on Saudi Arabia serves as a retaliatory measure.

While the Houthis claimed hits on two ships, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that an attack occurred on a vessel 130 kilometers off the Saudi coast, resulting in a fire.

The agency did not provide immediate details regarding crew casualties.

Earlier this week, Houthi rebels declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, stating that no Saudi ships would be permitted to navigate the Red Sea.

Issuing a warning at the time, the Houthis declared that any Saudi vessel attempting to enter or exit through the Bab el-Mandeb strait at the southern entrance of the Red Sea would be attacked, according to Al Jazeera.