Key facts
- Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed rebels targeted Saudi warships and mercenaries.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have targeted Saudi warships and mercenaries with ballistic missiles in the al-Mokha area, reporting destruction of boats and weapons and casualties among Saudi forces. This follows the rebels' announcement of a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi rebels' actions and threats against Saudi shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb strait raise concerns about escalating regional conflict and potential disruption to global trade routes, impacting energy prices and supply chains.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi warships and mercenaries in the al-Mokha area using ballistic missiles, reporting significant destruction and casualties. This announcement follows the rebels' declaration of an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, framed as retaliation for the kingdom's blockade on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa International Airport.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the strike was precise and resulted in the destruction of boats and weapons, with dozens killed or injured among Saudi forces. In a separate video statement, Saree declared the maritime ban against Saudi Arabia as an "eye for an eye" response.
The deputy head of the Houthi media office, Nasruddin Amer, indicated on X that the Bab al-Mandeb strait would be closed to Saudi vessels in response to the "unjust blockade on Yemenis for over 10 years." The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical maritime route, handling approximately 12% of global trade and a quarter of global container traffic.
Saudi Arabia's military, through spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, asserted that any Houthi threats against transiting vessels would be dealt with swiftly and firmly, deeming such actions a violation of international law and acts of maritime piracy. The kingdom stated it would keep the waterway open.