Iranian-backed rebel group claims it will exact 'eye for an eye, blockade for blockade' against Saudi Arabia.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement announced on Monday that it was imposing an immediate naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, marking one of its most significant threats against the Kingdom since the fragile truce that largely halted cross-border fighting in 2022 In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that any further Saudi military action would be met with an overwhelming response.
“The Houthi forces announce a maritime embargo against the Saudi enemy, based on the equation of ‘an eye for an eye,’ which enters into force immediately upon the publication of this statement," Saree said. “In addition, we affirm our people’s right to respond to a blockade with a blockade, and to respond to any escalation with escalation." The Houthis did not provide operational details on how they intend to enforce the blockade. However, the announcement immediately raised concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandab Strait, one of the world's most strategically important shipping lanes linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal.
The declaration follows a sharp deterioration in tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. According to regional and international media reports, the Houthis recently accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, backed by Riyadh, acknowledged responsibility for the operation, saying it was intended to prevent the arrival of an Iranian aircraft. (Read more)
