Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels on the 20th (local time) declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, ratcheting up tensions.
Houthi Spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement, "In line with the 'eye for an eye' principle, we declare a naval blockade against the criminal state Saudi Arabia, and it takes effect immediately."
Spokesperson Sarea said the move was a response to Saudi Arabia's blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas and last week's airstrike on Sana International Airport, adding, "We will meet blockade with blockade."
He warned, "Whatever actions Saudi Arabia takes to escalate tensions, we will respond with a comprehensive and resolute escalation." However, he did not specify how the naval blockade would be implemented.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, the Houthi rebels have attacked more than 100 ships transiting the Red Sea, citing support for the Palestinian militant faction Hamas.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels on the 13th accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sana International Airport, which they control, and warned of retaliation, declaring the end of a truce along with attacks on airports inside Saudi Arabia.
The declaration of a naval blockade is raising concerns that maritime logistics risks in the Middle East could worsen. As passage through the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of the world's energy shipments move—has been disrupted by U.S.-Iran military clashes, there are growing signs that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the mouth of the Red Sea could also be affected.
If the Houthis effectively block passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Saudi Arabia's main crude oil export routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz could also be affected. As transit through the Strait of Hormuz has recently become difficult, Saudi Arabia has been using the East-West pipeline to move crude to Yanbu port on the Red Sea coast and then export it.