Breaking: Iran-backed Houthis declare maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, targeting vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The move is presented as retaliation for what the Houthis describe as a 12‑year Saudi siege of Yemen. Analysts note that the blockade could add pressure to already volatile global oil markets.
- ▪Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared an immediate maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, aiming to intercept Saudi exports passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- ▪The Houthis say the blockade is a response to Saudi Arabia's long‑standing siege of Yemen and any attempts to break it will be met with force.
- ▪The blockade could affect global energy supplies by disrupting a key shipping route that connects the Red Sea to the Suez Canal.
- ▪Previous Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have already forced commercial vessels to take longer detours, highlighting the potential for further shipping disruptions.
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Houthi rebels in Yemen declare maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating threat to world energy suppliesBy Middle East Correspondent Matthew DoranTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarPosted Mon 20 Jul 2026 at 11:02pmMon 20 Jul 2026 at 11:02pmMon 20 Jul 2026 at 11:02pm, updated Mon 20 Jul 2026 at 11:13pmMon 20 Jul 2026 at 11:13pmHouthi Military spokesperson Yahya Sarea has declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. (Reuters: Al-Masirah TV channel)abc.net.au/news/houthis-declare-maritime-blockade-on-saudi-arabia/106938064Link copiedShareShare articleThe Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, in a move which could put even greater pressure on international energy supplies.In a statement, the Houthis military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).