Houthi leaders in Yemen have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, effective immediately. The Houthis naval blockade of Saudi Arabia marks a major escalation between the Yemeni group and the kingdom.
The Yemeni group, officially known as Ansar Allah, made the announcement on Monday. It came days after the group threatened a “siege” on Saudi Arabia in retaliation for an attack on Sanaa International Airport last week.
Why the Houthis Declared the Blockade
The group says the blockade is based on the principle of “an eye for an eye,” framing the move as direct retaliation for the airport attack. Houthi supporters rallied in Sanaa against what they describe as a Saudi-led blockade, underscoring the group’s narrative that its own naval blockade mirrors restrictions it says Saudi Arabia has imposed on Yemen.
