Houthis Announce Immediate Maritime Blockade Against Saudi Arabia
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SANA’A – The armed forces of Yemen’s Houthi movement have announced a maritime navigation blockade with immediate effect against Saudi Arabia. This could mean Saudi vessels will be barred from passing through Bab al-Mandab, the gateway to the Red Sea in the south.
The announcement was made by Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree on Monday. The armed forces stated that the move was taken in response to the ongoing blockade and aggression against Yemen, adding that the country’s leadership had no choice but to act.
Citing Almayadeen, Saree explained that Saudi Arabia had perpetuated an unjust blockade against the Yemeni people for nearly 12 years by restricting access to ports and airports—by land, sea and air—as well as targeting Sana’a International Airport.
This, according to Saree, gives the Yemeni people the right to confront these actions “by all available means”.
He said the decision was taken following calls made during the mass ‘Friday of Remembrance and Mobilisation’ demonstrations, as well as tribal gatherings and protests held across the country.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a ban on maritime navigation for the criminal Saudi enemy, applying the principle of ‘a blockade in response to a blockade’. This decision takes effect immediately after this statement is issued,” Saree declared.
He added: “We affirm the right of our great people to respond to a blockade with a blockade, and to comprehensive escalation with comprehensive escalation, and to uphold this principle.”
The Yemeni official also declared their full readiness to face any possible scenario and warned against further escalation.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm their full readiness for all options. Any reckless action taken by the foolish Saudi enemy through comprehensive escalation will be met with comprehensive and forceful escalation, by the will and power of God,” he said.
The Houthi maritime blockade on Saudi vessels would completely close the country’s southern sea access. The Strait of Hormuz route, which Saudi vessels normally traverse to the east, is currently also closed due to US attacks on Iran.