Yemen's Houthi rebels announced on Monday they are imposing a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, describing the move as an "eye for an eye" in response to a recent attack on Sanaa International Airport. Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, stated in a video message that the embargo would be effective immediately.
The specific details of what the maritime embargo would entail were not clarified in the statement. The announcement follows a significant escalation between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition last week, which included strikes on Sanaa Airport and Saudi Arabia's Abha airport. This exchange threatened a truce that has been in place since 2022.
The Houthi decision could potentially increase pressure on Saudi Arabia, particularly as the kingdom utilizes its East-West Pipeline to transport oil to the Red Sea for export. This comes amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In recent months, the Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping, with over 100 vessels attacked in connection with the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. It remains unclear if the Houthis will maintain similar levels of attacks against Saudi Arabia or if this action is intended to influence negotiations on local issues amid a largely frozen conflict in Yemen.