File image.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) announced on July 20 that they will be imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, in retaliation for the Kingdom’s blockade of Yemen.
In a statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the measure would take effect immediately upon the announcement’s release.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a naval blockade on the criminal Saudi enemy according to the formula ‘siege for siege,’ which will come into effect from the moment this statement is announced,” the spokesman said.
Saree accused Saudi Arabia of waging an “unjust and brutal siege” on Yemen for close to twelve years, saying it has “plundered resources” and imposed a “comprehensive blockade on ports and airports by land, sea, and air.” He further alleged that the blockade began alongside an attack on Sanaa International Airport, which it called an “unjust and treacherous act of aggression.”
“This is something that cannot be accepted or remained silent about, because it is not based on any right or legal or humane justification and has no legitimacy whatsoever,” the spokesman said, describing the blockade as “null and aggressive” and its consequences as “catastrophic” for Yemeni civilians.
The announcement came, according to the Houthis, in response to what the group called a “millions-strong” march held under the banner of the “Friday of Warning and Mobilization,” along with earlier tribal gatherings and rallies in areas under Houthi control.
The statement laid out five points. Alongside declaring the naval blockade, the group asserted what it called its people’s “right to confront siege with siege and comprehensive escalation with comprehensive escalation.”
“The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm their full readiness for all options, and that any folly undertaken by the reckless Saudi enemy through comprehensive escalation will be met with comprehensive and harsh escalation, God willing and by His power,” Saree said.
He also called on people in Yemen to continue “general mobilization” and to reinforce front lines with fighters, and closed by addressing those who took part in the recent demonstrations:
“We affirm to them that we will spare no effort in restoring their plundered rights and ending the unjust siege upon them, whatever the results and repercussions, seeking help from God and relying upon Him,” the spokesman added.
Last week, the Houthis attacked Abha International Airport in the southern Saudi province of Asir with missiles and drones. The attack was a response to the Saudi strikes that hit Sanaa International Airport in the Yemeni capital, preventing an Iranian plane from landing.
The leader of the group, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, later threatened to strike oil and other vital facilities in Saudi Arabia if the kingdom joins attacks on Yemen.
Reuters also reported last week that Iran has asked the Houthis to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure.
A maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia could in effect close Bab el-Mandeb. The strait, a narrow 20-nautical-mile chokepoint between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, funnels an estimated 10 percent of the world’s seaborne oil trade and vital container shipping between Asia and Europe, making it one of the planet’s most strategically vital—and volatile—maritime corridors.
Saudi Arabia will certainly strike back if the Houthis attempt to impose the blockade, which means that war in Yemen could resume very soon.
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saudis are stupid, drunk on the past. ignoring reality. the monarchy has its wealth exposed to sanctions by globalist bankers. so easy to manipulate !
the houthis are mean mofas. they eat the shadies for breakfast.
acabem com a monarquia saudita, derrubem e decapitem esses terroristas mbs e o chanceler faisal!