Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced that, as part of its “eye for an eye” policy, it will impose a “maritime blockade” on all Saudi Arabian ports. The decision comes as tensions between the two sides have once again escalated following an attack on Sana’a International Airport.
Yahya Saree, the Houthi spokesperson, said on Monday, 29 Saratan (July 20), that the group would base its actions on the principle of “eye for an eye” and that the maritime blockade of Saudi ports would take effect immediately following the announcement.
According to the Houthis, all vessels entering or departing Saudi ports could be targeted by the group. The Houthis said the decision is part of their retaliatory measures in response to recent developments.
The renewed tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia followed last week’s attack on Sana’a International Airport. The Saudi-backed government claimed that the strike on the airport was carried out to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing, while the Houthis said the attack originated from Saudi territory.
Following the incident, the Houthis announced the end of their ceasefire with Saudi Arabia and said they had launched several missiles toward the country. Saudi authorities have not yet provided further details regarding these claims.
The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, controls Sana’a, the port city of Hodeidah, and large parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline with support from Iran. In recent years, the group has pushed forces loyal to the Saudi- and UAE-backed government out of the capital.
In response, Saudi Arabia has imposed maritime and air restrictions on areas controlled by the Houthis for years. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that these restrictions have contributed to worsening the humanitarian crisis, increasing poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in Houthi-controlled areas.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
