In brief
Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, citing retaliation for Saudi blockades on Yemeni ports and airports. The embargo includes closing the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and could disrupt traffic through the Red Sea. The declaration follows a week of escalations, including Houthi missile attacks on Saudi airfields after strikes on Sanaa’s airport. The decision threatens to disrupt shipping routes and the global oil market, as Saudi crude is diverted to Yanbu port. Authorities have yet to respond, while observers warn the threat could spark wider conflict.
Houthis Impose Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia
On 20 July, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, closing the Bab al‑Mandab Strait to all Saudi vessels. The group said the move is retaliation for a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled north‑western Yemen.
Military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the embargo would be enforced immediately. The Houthi media office confirmed the decision by posting that the Bab al‑Mandab is being closed for Saudi ships.
This declaration follows a week of escalating tensions. Earlier this month the Houthis fired missiles at Saudi airfields in the southwest after air strikes on Sanaa’s airport. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government blamed the coalition for the strikes, which it claimed were aimed at preventing an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital without permission.
The embargo could have major ramifications for regional shipping and the global oil market. Saudi petroleum, cut off from the Strait of Hormuz, is now being redirected to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, with shipments reaching 4 million barrels per day. If the embargo takes effect, shipping lanes through the Bab al‑Mandab would be disrupted, forcing vessels to detour around southern Africa.
So far, the Saudi authorities have not issued a statement. International observers warn that the development may trigger further conflict and create uncertainty in the Middle East shipping lanes.
