Houthis Declare Blockade of Saudi Ships in Red Sea, Escalating Tensions in Middle East Straits

[Anchor]

The pro-Iranian Houthi rebels have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabian vessels in the Red Sea, citing attacks by Saudi Arabia as the reason. Saudi Arabia has pushed back, stating it will take measures to protect its ships. Tensions are rising not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also in another vital maritime route in the Middle East.

Reporter Gwak Sang-eun has the story.

[Reporter]

The pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.

The Houthi rebels stated that this is a retaliatory measure following an attack last week by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces on Sanaa Airport, which is currently under Houthi control.

They also emphasized that they would respond to Saudi Arabia's hostile acts with further escalation.

[Saree / Houthi Spokesperson: In accordance with the principle of 'blockade for blockade,' we declare a ban on maritime navigation for Saudi Arabia, and this will take effect.]

The Houthi rebels, who control a significant portion of the Yemeni territory near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—the gateway to the Red Sea—previously attacked over 100 ships passing through the Red Sea during the Gaza war in 2023, claiming it was in support of Hamas.

While the Houthis did not specify the exact methods of the blockade, it is highly likely that they will attempt to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil exports.

Saudi Arabia immediately announced that it would take countermeasures, including measures to protect its vessels.

A spokesperson for the Saudi-led Arab coalition emphasized that "the Houthi threat to ships passing through the strait is a violation of international law and constitutes an act of piracy," adding that they would "respond swiftly and decisively."

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning the Houthi threat.

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to the conflict between the United States and Iran, a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea would inevitably deal a severe blow to the global energy supply chain.

Video Editing: Kim Jin-won
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.