Houthi Armed Forces in Yemen: Ships Docking at Saudi Ports May Face Military Strikes

Xinhua News Agency, Kuwait City, July 21 (Reporter Yin Zhao) - Sana'a reports: The Yemeni Houthi armed group warned international shipping companies on the 20th that vessels engaged in trade with Saudi ports may face military strikes, further expanding the scope of its previously announced maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.

On the evening of the 20th local time, the humanitarian action coordination center established by the Yemeni Houthi armed group in Sana'a sent emails to several shipping companies stating that the relevant restrictions apply not only to vessels flying the Saudi flag but also to ships loading and unloading cargo at Saudi ports. The notice urged shipping companies to take "appropriate precautionary measures" when arranging navigation plans involving Saudi ports, warning that vessels participating in related trade activities may "become targets" within the operational capability coverage of the Houthi armed group.

Houthi armed group spokesman Yahya Saree stated on the 20th in a statement on the group's controlled Masirah TV that the immediate implementation of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia was based on the principle of "blockade against blockade." Currently, countries such as Kuwait and Qatar have expressed opposition to this, reiterating their support for freedom of navigation under the framework of international law.

The attack on Sana'a International Airport on the 14th has led to an escalation of regional tensions, with the Yemeni Houthi armed group blaming Saudi Arabia for the attack and retaliating by launching missiles and drones at Saudi targets. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned on the 16th that if Saudi Arabia participates in a larger-scale military operation against Yemen, Saudi oil facilities and other strategic infrastructure could become targets.