‘An eye for an eye’: Yemen’s Houthis announce maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia
Yemen's Ansar Allah group, commonly referred to as the Houthis. have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, set to take effect immediately. The Iran-backed
Yemen's Ansar Allah group, commonly referred to as the Houthis. have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, set to take effect immediately. The Iran-backed group says the move is in response to a recent attack on Sanaa Airport, based on the equation of "an eye for an eye". The group also warned that any further escalation by Saudi Arabia would be met with a broader response.
Approximately 12 to 15 percent of global trade passes through the Red Sea via Bab al-Mandeb, with 8 to 10 million barrels of crude oil passing through daily—4 million of those exported from Saudi Arabia. The blockade will not only prevent Saudi oil exports but also Saudi imports, impacting the global economy. The Houthis have previously imposed a similar blockade on Israeli shipments, which led to the bankruptcy of two Israeli ports.
Negotiations are currently taking place between the Houthis and Saudi officials in Oman, but until a compromise is reached, tensions are set to increase. The Houthis argue that Saudi Arabia has imposed a blockade on Sanaa Airport since 2015 and that their response is proportional. With hypersonic missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, the Houthis have threatened to target Saudi airports and impose a naval blockade on all Saudi navigation.
Al Jazeera's Yousef Mawry reports from Sanaa, Yemen. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
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