Houthi forces announce a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia

July 20—On July 20 local time, Yemen’s Houthi forces issued an official statement announcing a ban on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, in response to what they described as Saudi Arabia’s “unjust and brutal blockade and aggression.” The statement was released by Yemen’s armed forces and took effect immediately upon issuance. The statement cites religious scriptures and lists the past nearly twelve years of comprehensive port, airport, and land-border closures imposed by Saudi Arabia on Yemen, saying they have “no right or humanitarian justification,” bringing “unbearable suffering” to the Yemeni people. The statement also accused that Saudi Arabia’s recent attack on Sana’a International Airport is a “blatant act of aggression in breach of promises and pledges.”