Houthis Declare Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Tensions

New Delhi, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: Yemen's Houthis have announced a "maritime embargo" against Saudi Arabia.

The Iran-backed group's military spokesman stated that the embargo would begin immediately, citing it as retaliation for a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled north-western Yemen. The embargo signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has ravaged Yemen for nearly a decade.

While details about the embargo remain sparse, a Houthi media official indicated that they were closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern gateway to the Red Sea, to Saudi vessels. This strait is a crucial maritime route, facilitating a significant portion of global trade and oil shipments. The move to close this vital passage raises concerns about the potential for increased military confrontations in an already volatile region.

In response, Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned the allegations, asserting that the country "will take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law." This statement underscores the Saudi government's commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the free flow of trade through vital waterways.

The Red Sea has become increasingly vital for oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, especially during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. The geopolitical landscape surrounding the Red Sea has intensified, with various actors vying for influence and control over this strategic region. The Houthis' declaration of a maritime embargo is likely to exacerbate tensions not only between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis but also among regional and global powers invested in the security and stability of maritime routes.

This announcement comes a week after a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which had seen a lull since an informal truce took effect in 2022. The fragile peace was disrupted by renewed hostilities, with both sides engaging in military actions that have further strained relations. The Houthis claimed to have launched missiles at Abha airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia in retaliation for airstrikes on Sanaa's airport, which they attributed to the kingdom. Such retaliatory strikes highlight the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation that has characterized the conflict.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they aimed to prevent an Iranian plane from landing in the capital without authorization. This incident reflects the complex interplay of regional rivalries and the involvement of foreign powers in the Yemeni civil war. The presence of Iranian support for the Houthis has been a point of contention for Saudi Arabia and its allies, who view Iran's influence in Yemen as a direct threat to their national security.

Since the civil war began in Yemen in 2014, the country has been devastated, with the Houthis ousting the government from Sanaa. The conflict escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore the government. The war has resulted in widespread destruction, with critical infrastructure severely damaged and millions of Yemenis facing dire humanitarian conditions. The ongoing fighting has reportedly resulted in over 150,000 deaths and triggered one of the 's worst humanitarian crises, leaving more than 22 million people in need of aid, according to the UN.

On Monday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea stated that Saudi Arabia had imposed an "unjust and oppressive siege on our dear people for nearly 12 years, plundering our resources and imposing a comprehensive blockade on our ports and airports by land, sea, and air." This rhetoric reflects the Houthis' narrative of victimhood and resistance against what they perceive as foreign aggression and occupation.

Sarea announced the group's decision to declare a "maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of 'an eye for an eye.'" This statement encapsulates the Houthis' stance on retaliation and their commitment to countering Saudi actions in the region. The language used by Houthi officials emphasizes their determination to assert control and challenge Saudi dominance in the maritime domain.

Sarea further warned that any reckless actions from Saudi Arabia would be met with a "comprehensive and decisive escalation." This warning raises concerns about the potential for further military confrontations and highlights the precarious nature of the situation in the region. The Houthis' willingness to escalate their military actions could lead to a broader conflict that draws in additional regional powers.

While specific details about the embargo were not provided, the deputy head of the Houthi media office, Nasruddin Amer, stated on X that the group's forces were "closing Bab al-Mandab to Saudi enemy ships." The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea, located between southwestern Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Control over this strait is vital for maintaining shipping routes, and any disruption could have significant implications for global trade.

Following the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis began targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with missiles, drones, and small boats, claiming to act in support of the Palestinians. This shift in focus illustrates the Houthis' attempts to align their military objectives with broader regional dynamics, leveraging the situation in Gaza to garner support and legitimacy for their actions.

Four ships were sunk, nine crew members were killed, and commercial traffic through Bab al-Mandab hit a record low as shipping companies rerouted their vessels around southern Africa. The impact of these attacks on maritime trade has been profound, with shipping companies reassessing their routes and strategies to mitigate risks associated with navigating through conflict zones.

Although the Houthis paused their attacks in response to a ceasefire in Gaza last October, traffic through the strait has yet to return to previous levels, according to data from the International Monetary Fund. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding maritime security in the region has led to increased insurance costs for shipping companies and may result in long-term shifts in trading patterns.

In light of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has redirected over 70% of its crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This strategic pivot underscores the kingdom's efforts to safeguard its oil exports amid escalating tensions in the region. Recent data indicates that approximately 4 million barrels per day (bpd) have been shipped from there, compared to about 973,000 bpd a year earlier. This dramatic increase highlights the importance of the Red Sea as an alternative route for Saudi oil exports.

Overall petroleum volumes transiting Bab al-Mandab also rose to 7.4 million bpd in June, accounting for about 7% of global output. The strait's significance as a maritime chokepoint cannot be overstated, as any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and supply chains.

Mohammed Albasha of the US-based risk advisory firm Basha Report noted that it remains unclear whether the Houthis will begin targeting vessels heading to Saudi Arabia. He stated, "Even if no ships are attacked, the announcement alone is likely to disrupt shipping and create uncertainty for Saudi ports. Whether the Houthis move from threats to direct action remains the critical issue." This uncertainty poses a challenge for shipping companies and regional governments as they navigate the complexities of maritime security in a conflict-ridden environment.