Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the Houthi movement’s declaration of a maritime blockade against the Kingdom, warning that any attacks or threats against commercial vessels will be met with force.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced the Houthi announcement and rejected allegations that Saudi Arabia is imposing a siege on the Yemeni people.
The ministry said the Kingdom will continue supporting the Yemeni people and the country’s “legitimate” government.
The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen also announced that it would ensure the security of commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and respond forcefully to any attacks or threats targeting vessels.
A day earlier, Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, announced what it described as a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
The group’s spokesperson claimed the move was in response to what the Houthis describe as Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen, adding that the closure of Sanaa International Airport was unacceptable and would be met with reciprocal measures.
The Houthis had also recently accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sanaa Airport and later launched missile attacks toward Saudi Arabia, which Saudi authorities said were successfully intercepted.
