"Eye For An Eye": Houthis Declare Maritime Blockade On Saudi Arabia
Houthi rebels have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for recent Saudi military actions in Yemen. This move threatens to further disrupt regional shipping and escalate the long-standing conflict between the two powers.
Why it matters
A maritime blockade in this region could significantly impact global oil supply chains and increase energy costs, given the strategic importance of the Red Sea.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday announced a maritime embargo of their foe Saudi Arabia, raising the stakes after the pair traded fire last week for the first time in years.The rebels declared "a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of 'an eye for an eye,' effective immediately upon the issuance of this statement," military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement.He said the move was in response to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi "ports and airports" and the targeting of Sanaa airport last week, adding that they would respond to "the blockade with a blockade"."Any foolish act committed by the reckless Saudi enemy through all escalation will be met with a comprehensive and decisive escalation," Saree added.Last week, hostilities flared in Yemen's long-dormant conflict as Iran, through its Houthi ally, appeared to challenge Saudi Arabia's hegemony over Yemeni skies.The Houthis fired missiles at…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in