Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade against what they called “the Saudi enemy” in the Bab al-Mandab strait, the strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Iran-backed terror group made the declaration through its official channels, though it provided no details on how the blockade would be enforced or what specific measures would be taken against Saudi vessels or Saudi-bound shipping.
The terrorist organization stated the action is in response to what they believe is a blockade placed by the Saudis on Yemen. The statement reads: “The Yemeni armed forces declare a blockade of maritime navigation against the Saudi enemy based on the equation ‘quarantine in response to quarantine,’ starting from the moment this announcement is made.”
The Houthis emphasized that this was not an idle threat, but an active policy: “We emphasize that any Saudi stupidity will be met with a comprehensive and severe escalation.” Bab al-Mandab is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with millions of barrels of oil passing through daily en route to Europe and Asia. The strait is just 18 miles wide at its narrowest point.
The Houthis have previously targeted shipping in the area, including attacks on commercial vessels and Saudi oil infrastructure. The group has also launched drone and missile strikes against Saudi territory throughout Yemen’s ongoing civil war.