Yemen's "Ansar Allah" (Houthis) movement announced that it has imposed a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Modern.az reports that the movement's military spokesman Yahya Saria issued a statement regarding this.
According to him, the decision was made on the principle of "responding to a siege with a siege" and came into force from the moment the statement was issued.
"The Yemeni Armed Forces prohibit Saudi Arabian maritime shipping. The decision takes effect immediately," Saria said.
The Houthis declared that any action taken by Riyadh would be met with a harsher response.
"We are ready for all possible scenarios. Any escalation step taken by Saudi Arabia will be met with a decisive and harsh response," the statement emphasized.
In addition, the movement called on its supporters to continue general mobilization.
This decision by the Houthis poses a serious risk to the security of international shipping in the Red Sea and especially in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. A significant portion of cargo transportation between Asia and Europe is carried out through this strait, which is considered one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.
It is noted that in recent months, against the backdrop of increasing military tension in the Middle East, the growing threat first in the Strait of Hormuz and now in Bab al-Mandab could seriously affect global energy and cargo transportation.
