Saudi Arabia Rejects Houthi Maritime Blockade Claims, Reaffirms Support for Yemen and Shipping Security
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the Houthi movement's announcement of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi shipping, rejecting the accusations made by the group's military spokesman and describing them as false claims intended to deflect responsibility for Yemen's humanitarian and economic crisis.
In an official statement, Riyadh stressed that it has consistently supported the internationally recognized Yemeni government by financing development projects, providing fuel for electricity generation, and facilitating humanitarian and commercial imports through Yemeni ports. The ministry also emphasized that coalition maritime measures have been implemented under UN Security Council Resolution 2216 to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Yemen.
The statement directly blamed the Houthis for targeting Yemen's economic infrastructure, including attacks on oil export facilities that halted crude exports and deprived the Yemeni government of a major source of revenue. Saudi Arabia also accused the group of seizing Yemenia Airways aircraft, disrupting civil aviation, attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and rejecting multiple initiatives aimed at restoring regular flights from Sana'a Airport.
Riyadh further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace efforts in Yemen while calling on the international community to enforce UN Security Council resolutions and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The ministry stated that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures, consistent with international law, to protect its maritime interests and commercial shipping.
Background
The Saudi statement came hours after the Houthis announced an immediate maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia under what they called the "blockade for blockade" doctrine, warning of further escalation in the Red Sea.
Earlier on Monday, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi announced the resumption of Yemen's oil export efforts, placing responsibility on the Houthis for obstructing exports and depriving the state of revenues needed to pay salaries.
The Saudi response also follows an earlier statement by the Arab Coalition emphasizing support for protecting maritime security and freedom of navigation amid renewed regional tensions.
Sheba Intelligence had reported before the Houthi announcement that the group's leadership had concluded internal military meetings and was preparing to shift from military preparations to an official escalation phase, including measures targeting regional maritime routes. The subsequent Houthi declaration, the Yemeni government's announcement on resuming oil exports, and the Saudi Foreign Ministry's response collectively mark a rapid escalation in the Red Sea crisis.