Yemen's Houthis Declare Naval Blockade Against Saudi Arabia

Yemen's Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the start of a blockade against Saudi Arabia, calling Saudi Arabia a "criminal" state. The blockade takes effect immediately and is a response to Saudi Arabia's blockade and attacks on Houthi-controlled territories, according to Turkiye Today and Reuters.

The Houthis, who are allied with and supported by Iran, have also declared a general mobilization in areas under their control. This escalation comes amidst renewed hostilities between the US and Iran.

The Houthis are a rebel group controlling about a third of Yemen's territory, home to 70-80% of the country's population. Also known as "Ansar Allah," they are Shiites, like their key ally Iran. In 2024, the Houthis actively shelled merchant ships in the southern Red Sea, leading to a drop in traffic through the Suez Canal and global trade issues.