DUBAI—Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has declared an immediate naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, saying it will target maritime traffic linked to the kingdom in a move that raises the risk of renewed disruption to Red Sea shipping and global energy supplies, while Saudi authorities and international partners assess the threat.
The Houthis announced what they described as a "maritime embargo" in a televised statement by military spokesperson Yahya Saree, saying the measure was being imposed "effective immediately." The group said the decision was retaliation for what it called Saudi Arabia's long-running blockade of Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and recent military actions that it blamed on Riyadh.
The declaration follows renewed exchanges between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after years of relative calm under an informal truce that began in 2022. The Houthis last week claimed missile attacks on Saudi territory after accusing the kingdom of carrying out an air strike on Sanaa airport, an allegation that contributed to a sharp escalation in tensions.
Saudi Arabia did not immediately issue a detailed public response to the blockade announcement. Earlier reporting indicated the Saudi-led coalition had warned it would respond firmly to any action threatening maritime security or regional stability.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and a key route for oil exports and international trade. Analysts say even limited attacks or the threat of attacks can prompt shipping companies to reroute vessels, increase insurance costs and disrupt supply chains, regardless of whether a full blockade is successfully enforced.
U.S. officials have warned that any sustained Houthi campaign against Saudi-linked shipping could further stretch American military resources already committed elsewhere in the region. President Donald Trump has said the United States would respond if Houthi threats against Saudi maritime traffic were carried out, although Saudi Arabia had not publicly requested additional U.S. military support.
Independent verification of Houthi claims regarding the effectiveness of the announced blockade, including assertions that ships had already altered their routes, was not immediately available. Maritime authorities and commercial shipping companies continued to monitor traffic through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb as of Wednesday.
