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Update: Yemen's Houthis Declare Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia, Threaten Escalation

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(Updates with the Houthi spokesperson's statement throughout the story.)

Yemen's Houthi movement on Monday declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, warning that any further escalation by Riyadh would be met with a broader response.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces declare a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy... effective immediately upon the issuance of this statement," Houthi rebel spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a video published on X.

Saree said the move was retaliation for what the group called Saudi Arabia's long-running blockade of Yemen. He said the Houthis reserved the right to respond "to the blockade with a blockade, and to respond to all escalation with all escalation," adding that the group was prepared for all options.

The Houthis have repeatedly threatened to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait during the Middle East conflict. Last week, Iran had contacted the Houthi movement, requesting them to stay prepared to close the trade route along the Red Sea, according to a Reuters report.

The announcement raises the prospect of renewed disruption to Red Sea shipping, adding to maritime security risks that have already intensified following attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Yemen's Houthi rebels fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, alleging that the Gulf state had bombed an airport under the group's control on Monday last week.

A wider conflict with the Houthis, who have in the past targeted Red Sea shipping, could jeopardize Saudi Arabia's oil exports through its East-West Pipeline, which allows crude to bypass Hormuz.

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