Sanaa: Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait and declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning that Saudi vessels would no longer be allowed to pass through waters under their control.
A Houthi spokesperson said the group had endured a blockade for the past 12 years and was now responding by restricting Saudi maritime traffic.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions following a reported dispute over an Iranian plane that landed in Sanaa Airport Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.
The development has raised concerns that years of relative calm under an informal ceasefire could give way to renewed hostilities.
If implemented, the measures could have significant implications for regional maritime security and international shipping through one of the world’s busiest sea routes.