The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a blockade of Saudi Arabian shipping following retaliatory attacks on airports last week. The Houthis affirmed this as a tit-for-tat measure.
On Monday, 20 Jul 2026 GMT+7, the Houthi rebel group, which controls large areas of Yemen, declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions after both sides exchanged fire for the first time this year last week.
Yahya Sari, the Houthi spokesperson, stated in a video statement, “We hereby announce the imposition of a maritime blockade against our Saudi enemies and criminals, based on the principle of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' effective immediately upon this announcement.”
Sari further explained that this move responds to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi ports and airports and targeted attacks on Sanaa airport last week, adding that they will respond to the siege with a siege in return.
“Any reckless actions by our Saudi enemies, escalating violence in all forms, will face a decisive and comprehensive escalation in retaliation,” Sari added.
Last week, the long-dormant conflict in Yemen flared again after the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, attacked Sanaa airport to block flights from Iran carrying a Houthi delegation. In response, the Houthis launched missiles at Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Monday, 13 Jul 2026 GMT+7.
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of orchestrating the attack on Sanaa airport. For over a decade, any aircraft entering Yemeni airspace must obtain prior approval from the Saudi-led coalition forces supporting the Yemeni government, who enforce these restrictions at the government's request.
Previously, the Houthis attacked cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea—key routes to Europe via the Suez Canal—in retaliation for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip. This forced many cargo ships to reroute around Africa, significantly lengthening their journey.
Additionally, the Red Sea hosts Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port, which allows Riyadh to export millions of barrels of oil, effectively bypassing Iran's control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf during its conflict with the United States.
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Source:cna