The Iran-backed Houthi group has announced a “maritime embargo” on Saudi Arabia, effective immediately, in response to a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled northwestern Yemen.
The embargo, declared by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea, aims to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, to Saudi vessels. This move is seen as a retaliation against the Saudi blockade that has been in place for nearly 12 years, crippling the Yemeni economy and exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Maritime Embargo Details
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital shipping route, with over 7% of global oil output passing through it. Saudi Arabia has diverted more than 70% of its crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu due to the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthi embargo could further disrupt global oil shipments and impact the already fragile economy.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, with the Houthis ousting the government from the capital city of Sanaa. The fighting has left over 150,000 people dead and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 22 million people in need of aid. The recent escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region.
Reactions and Implications
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has condemned the Houthi announcement, vowing to take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law. The US-based risk advisory firm Basha Report warned that the Houthi embargo could disrupt shipping and create uncertainty for Saudi ports, even if no ships are attacked.
The situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, aware of the potential for a broader conflict in the region that could have far-reaching consequences for global stability and the economy.
