Yemen’s Houthis Impose Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia

CAIRO — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo targeting Saudi Arabia as retaliation for last week’s attack on Sanaa Airport.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, declared in a Monday video statement that the sanctions will activate immediately under the principle of “an eye for an eye,” according to his remarks.

The Houthis have not specified the embargo’s exact scope or implementation details.

This announcement follows heightened tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, which erupted after recent strikes on Sanaa and Abha airports that jeopardized the 2022 brokered truce.

The move could intensify pressure on Saudi Arabia, which relies on its East-West Pipeline to export oil through the Red Sea as the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control.

This escalation occurs amid the Houthis’ prolonged targeting of shipping vessels related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has seen over 100 maritime incidents.

Analysts remain uncertain whether this embargo will sustain the previous intensity of attacks or serve as a tactical pressure tactic to resolve unresolved local issues within Yemen’s largely dormant conflict.”

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