Houthi Rebels Impose Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia
On Monday, Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, announced a “maritime embargo” on Saudi Arabia, hinting at potential attacks on Saudi oil tankers navigating the Red Sea toward the Suez Canal.
Military spokesperson Yahya Salih, in a video statement, didn’t clarify what the “maritime ban” would involve. He only mentioned that any action would invoke an “eye for eye” response, referring to Saudi Arabia’s alleged blockade of Yemen.
“The Yemeni military is fully prepared for any foolish actions by our reckless enemy, Saudi Arabia. Any escalation on their part will encounter a decisive response driven by the will of Allah,” Salih declared.
The Houthis are an Iranian-supported Islamic group that took control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Their motto has been a declaration of opposition against the U.S. and Israel.
Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s civil war since 2015, leading a coalition supporting the internationally recognized government until an informal ceasefire in 2022. Unfortunately, that ceasefire was breached this month as the Houthis resumed efforts to expand their territory.
Recently, Saudi Arabia shut down Sanaa’s airport to thwart Iranian support to the Houthis, which included weapons and military experts. The Houthis retaliated with missile strikes on Saudi targets, stating that Saudi economic measures are akin to a “siege” against them.
During the recent conflict in Gaza, the Houthis threatened international shipping in the Red Sea, hinting that their maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia might lead to similar actions. The shipping industry, understandably, may respond with caution, recalling past instances where the Houthis targeted ships with little connection to Israel.
Currently, Saudi Arabia faces significant risks in the Red Sea due to Iranian attacks on shipping. As a response, the kingdom is rerouting much of its oil transport through pipelines to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has been known to pressure other nations by restricting access to vital water routes, and it seems to have instructed the Houthis to close off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from the Red Sea. The Houthis have proven they are ready to execute Iran’s directives.
Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of Houthi media, indicated that an armed blockade would be enforced in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, particularly targeting vessels with ties to Saudi Arabia.
In recent developments, both the Houthis and the Yemeni government in exile have been moving reinforcements to their front lines, possibly signaling preparation for further hostilities.
Additionally, a source close to the Houthis mentioned that senior leaders are actively seeking to recruit more fighters from local tribes and are reportedly threatening repercussions against those tribes that resist increasing Houthi control in northern Yemen.
