The Houthi movement on Monday announced an immediate maritime ban on Saudi maritime navigation, describing the measure as a direct response to what it called a years-long blockade imposed on Yemen and recent attacks, including the targeting of Sana’a International Airport. The announcement was made in an official statement issued from Sana’a and attributed to the Yemeni Armed Forces aligned with the group.
According to the statement, the maritime ban takes effect immediately and is based on what the Houthis described as the principle of “blockade for blockade.” The group said the decision followed public demonstrations held under the banner of “Warning and Mobilization,” as well as tribal gatherings and public vigils that it said called for a response to the ongoing situation.
In the statement, the Houthis alleged that Saudi Arabia has maintained a comprehensive blockade against Yemen for nearly 12 years, accusing the kingdom of restricting the country’s ports and airports by land, sea, and air while exploiting Yemen’s resources. The group claimed the measures have caused severe hardship for the Yemeni population and asserted that the blockade lacks legal and humanitarian justification.
The statement also referred to what it described as a recent attack targeting Sana’a International Airport, characterizing it as an act of renewed aggression. The Houthis said the continued blockade and military actions had reached a point where, according to the group, a response was unavoidable. They asserted that the Yemeni people have the right to confront what they described as an unjust siege through all available means.
Announcing its latest measures, the Houthis said Saudi maritime navigation would now be subject to an immediate ban. The group stated that it considers the move a reciprocal response to the blockade imposed on Yemen and declared that any further escalation would be answered with corresponding measures.
The statement further warned that the Yemeni Armed Forces are prepared for what it described as all possible scenarios. It said any additional escalation by Saudi Arabia would be met with what it called a comprehensive and severe response. No operational details regarding the announced maritime ban or its implementation were included in the statement.
Alongside the announcement, the Houthis called on Yemenis to continue participating in what they described as a general mobilization campaign. The statement urged the public to remain prepared for all developments and encouraged reinforcement of front-line positions with additional fighters.
The group also expressed appreciation to participants in the nationwide “Warning and Mobilization” demonstrations, describing the turnout as involving millions of Yemenis. It pledged to continue efforts aimed at restoring what it characterized as the rights of the Yemeni people and ending the blockade, regardless of the consequences.
The statement concluded with religious references and declarations in support of what the Houthis described as a free, dignified, and independent Yemen. No response from Saudi authorities to the announcement or the allegations contained in the statement was included in the text issued by the Houthis.
