Houthis Escalate Fight With Saudi Arabia, Announce Naval Blockade

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran, announced today (Monday) that they are escalating their campaign against Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said that "the Houthi forces announce a naval embargo against the Saudi enemy, based on the equation of 'an eye for an eye,' which takes effect immediately upon the publication of this statement. In addition, we affirm the right of our people to respond to blockade with blockade, and to respond to any escalation with escalation".

Saree added: "The Yemeni armed forces affirm their full readiness for all options, and any foolish act carried out by the Saudi enemy, through any escalation, will be met with comprehensive and decisive escalation. We call on the sons of our nation to continue the general mobilization and to be fully prepared for all scenarios and developments, and to support the fronts with fighters. We express our blessings to our people and promise that we will spare no effort in restoring their rights and ending the unjust blockade imposed on them, whatever the consequences may be".

As a reminder, last week Saudi Arabia attacked the airport in Sanaa, which is used by the Houthis, in order to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane. In response, the Houthis launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia. According to the Houthi statement, from now on, all Saudi ships, or ships sailing to Saudi Arabia, will be attacked in the Red Sea.