A representative of the Yemeni Houthi movement has announced the start of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. He made the statement on live television, Reuters reports .
According to the Houthis' statement, this measure is a response to what they call an "unjust and cruel siege" that Saudi Arabia has allegedly been conducting against them for almost 12 years.
The day before, the Houthis launched missile strikes on Saudi Arabian territory. They stated that this was a reaction to the bombing of an airport in Yemen under their control. The group also accused Riyadh of violating an unofficial ceasefire that had been in effect between the parties since 2022.
Saudi Arabia uses the Red Sea for oil transportation. This is one of the world's most important trade routes, connecting Asia and Europe and passing near the coasts of eight states, including Yemen.
For many years, Saudi Arabia has played a key role in the coalition that has supported Yemen's internationally recognized government in its fight against the Houthis since 2015.
The blockade announcement comes amid an escalation of the situation in the Middle East, including the conflict between the US and Iran and the failed ceasefire agreement between these countries. Iran supports the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia is one of Washington's main partners in the region.
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