Riyadh (Monitoring Desk): Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-led military coalition operating in Yemen have strongly responded to threats by the Houthi group Ansar Allah regarding a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacks on commercial ships.
Saudi authorities have made it clear that the protection of commercial vessels will be ensured under all circumstances, and any attempt to attack them will receive a strong response.
In a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Houthi announcement regarding a maritime blockade was strongly condemned, and it was stated that the allegations made against Saudi Arabia are baseless. Saudi Arabia will continue supporting the Yemeni people and the internationally recognized legitimate government.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has also announced that the safety of commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait will be ensured. According to the coalition, if the Houthis attempt to target any ship, immediate and effective action will be taken.
This development comes after the Houthi group Ansar Allah announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia a day earlier.
The Houthi spokesperson claimed that this step was being taken in response to alleged restrictions and a blockade imposed on Yemen by Saudi Arabia. He said the closure of Sana’a Airport was unacceptable and would be responded to with similar measures.
It should be noted that a few days earlier, the Houthis had accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sana’a Airport and threatened retaliation. Later, missile attacks were launched toward Saudi Arabia by the Houthis; however, Saudi authorities said the attacks were intercepted by defense systems.
According to defense experts, if tensions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait increase further, global trade and maritime transportation could be affected, as this waterway is considered one of the world’s most important commercial routes.