Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi shipping, saying the move is a response to what it described as an ongoing siege and attacks on the country…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi shipping, declaring that the measure takes immediate effect in response to what it described as an ongoing blockade and military aggression by Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces on Sunday, the group said the blockade was being imposed under the principle of “a blockade for a blockade” and warned that any further actions by Saudi Arabia would be met with a broader military escalation.
“The Yemeni armed forces announces maritime navigation for the Saudi enemy, according to the rule of a blockade for a blockade. The siege will be applied the moment we have issued this statement,” the statement said.
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of maintaining an unjust siege on Yemen and carrying out attacks, including strikes on Sana’a International Airport. The group said it would no longer accept what it described as violations of the rights of the Yemeni people.
“The situation now cannot be bearable without any right, and we will never accept this. We will never stay silent, because the enemy has no right to do that, has no legality to do that,” the statement said.
The group maintained that the Yemeni people had the right to respond to what it called an unfair blockade and aggression using all available means.
“Our people have the right to face blockade by blockade and escalation with escalation,” it said.
The Houthis also declared that they were prepared for “all choices” and warned that any further action by Saudi Arabia would trigger a “comprehensive escalation.”
“The Yemeni armed forces is ready to confirm its readiness to all choices, and anything committed by the Saudi enemy will be faced by a comprehensive escalation,” the statement added.
The movement called on its supporters to continue mobilisation, prepare for possible developments and reinforce military frontlines.
It also praised large public demonstrations held in Sana’a and other areas under Houthi control, saying the Yemeni people had the right to reclaim their rights “whatsoever the consequences are.”
The statement concluded by expressing confidence that Yemen would prevail despite the ongoing conflict.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued hostilities between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition, which has been involved in the Yemen conflict for more than a decade.
