Yahya Sarea announced that Houthi militants have declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for a long-standing siege.
Yahya Sarea, the military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthi group, announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia effective immediately. The move serves as a direct response to what Sarea described as an "unjust and oppressive siege" imposed by the kingdom on Houthi-controlled territories for nearly 12 years. The embargo specifically targets the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. By closing this gateway to Saudi vessels, the Houthis aim to mirror the kingdom's blockade of Houthi ports and airports. This escalation follows a week of heightened tension where the Houthis launched missiles at Abha airport after Saudi-backed forces bombed Sanaa's airport. The embargo comes as Saudi Arabia relies on the Red Sea for oil exports following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S.-Iran war. While the announcement creates uncertainty for shipping, crude oil prices remained relatively stable. The administration has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open under U.S. military protection.