Houthi rebels have reportedly attacked two more oil tankers in the Red Sea, with the Iran-backed group now claiming responsibility for using missiles and drones against the Panama-flagged oil tanker Blue Lagoon I.

A nearby Saudi-flagged tanker also appeared to come under fire.

Multiple US media reports, citing the US Central Command, said the rebels attacked the two tankers with two ballistic missiles and an additional aerial system. Both vessels were reported hit but with only light damage.

However, in a public statement after the incident, the Houthis did not mention the Saudi vessel.

The rebels are carrying out the attacks as part of their ongoing civil war in Yemen, of which they now control large parts, and support for the Palestinians in their ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Houthis have reportedly targeted more than 80 vessels since the war in Gaza started in October.

These new attacks come as efforts continue to salvage the MV Sounion oil tanker, which was hit several days ago by the Houthis.

There were no reports of any casualties on either vessel in the most recent attacks.

US authorities in the region called the attacks “reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis [who] continue to destabilise regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk”.

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in conflict with the Houthis since March 2015 in support of Yemen’s exiled government. The conflict has resulted in 150,000 people being killed in the region and huge humanitarian problems.