Yemen's Houthis say they will impose naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
The move threatens a chokepoint that carries about 12% of global trade and could force tankers to reroute around Africa, analysts said.
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels announced an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, citing an "unjust and oppressive siege" of Yemeni ports as justification for the blockade.
- The blockade follows a significant flare-up after the Saudi-led coalition reportedly struck Sanaa International Airport last week, piercing a fragile four-year truce between the warring sides.
- Kpler data indicates the Bab el-Mandeb strait is essential to Saudi exports while the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted; a full closure could reduce global oil supply by about 7 percent.
- Shipping firms may be forced to reroute vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to transit times and increasing costs, while Brent crude briefly traded above $90 per barrel.
- Mediators recently presented ceasefire proposals to Tehran, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry, even as the Houthis threatened "comprehensive and decisive escalation." Both Iranian and American officials left open the possibility of renewed negotiations.
380 Articles
380 Articles
Yemen's Houthis deny they closed Bab al-Mandeb Strait
The Iran-aligned Houthi militia group instead says it has only established a "naval blockade" of Saudi ships in the Red Sea. It comes as the US and Iran also vie for control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. DW has more.
Yemenis vow to extend Saudi blockade to Jeddah, Yanbu
A senior Houthi adviser said the movement's naval blockade of Saudi Arabia will expand from Jizan to Jeddah and Yanbu, the Red Sea terminal Riyadh has used to bypass the closed Strait of Hormuz, after Trump threatened military retaliation.
Iran-Backed Houthis Impose Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels announced on Monday, July 20, they are imposing a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia – a move that threatens global energy supplies and widens the conflict beyond the Gulf region, according to a statement from Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree. The Houthis declared “a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based […]
The Houthis have announced a sea blockade in the Red Sea against Saudi Arabia. Thus, the Arabian Peninsula is in fact encircled. The consequences would be devastating.
Houthis announce blockade of Saudi Arabia, ships reroute to avoid Bab al Mandeb Strait
The Houthis declared a complete maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, claiming it is in response to blockades imposed by the Saudi-led coalition that supports Yemen's internationally recognized government. Saudi Arabia denounced the blockade and said it will protect its ships, but multiple commercial vessels have rerouted to avoid the Bab al Mandeb Strait. The post Houthis announce blockade of Saudi Arabia, ships reroute to avoid Bab al Mandeb Stra…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
