The pro-Iran Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, local time.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated, "In accordance with the 'eye for an eye' principle, we declare a maritime blockade against the criminal Saudi enemy, effective immediately."

He emphasized, "This measure is a response to the Saudi blockade of Houthi-controlled ports and airports, as well as the strike on Sanaa Airport last week," adding, "We will meet the blockade with a blockade."

However, the group did not clarify the specific methods by which this maritime blockade would be enforced.

If the Houthi rebels block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, it would also obstruct the sea route from Yanbu, a Saudi oil export port that does not rely on the Strait of Hormuz, through the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea.

Previously, during the Gaza war in 2023, the Houthi rebels attacked over 100 ships passing through the Red Sea, claiming it was in support of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)