Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis announce maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia on Monday. The move raises the stakes after the two sides traded fire last week for the first time in years. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the blockade in a video statement.

What did the Houthis say about the blockade?

The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, describing it as based on the principle of "an eye for an eye." Saree said the blockade would take effect immediately upon the issuance of the statement. He warned that further Saudi escalation would be met with a comprehensive and decisive response.

Why did the Houthis announce the blockade?

Saree said the move responds to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi ports and airports, and to the targeting of Sanaa airport last week. He said the group would respond to "the blockade with a blockade." He added that any reckless act by Saudi Arabia would trigger a matching escalation.

What happened between Yemen and Saudi Arabia last week?

Hostilities flared last week in Yemen's long-dormant conflict, as Iran, through its Houthi ally, appeared to challenge Saudi Arabia's control over Yemeni skies. The Houthis fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha last Monday. The strike came after Yemen's government said it hit Sanaa airport to block a flight from Iran carrying a Houthi delegation.

The Houthis have blamed Riyadh, the government's backer, for the airport attack. For more than a decade, aircraft entering Yemeni airspace have needed prior clearance from the Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's government. The coalition says it enforces the restriction at the government's request.

How have the Houthis affected shipping before?

During the Gaza war, the Houthis attacked shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, a route leading to Europe via the Suez Canal. The attacks forced ships to take lengthy detours around Africa. The Red Sea is also home to the Saudi port of Yanbu, through which Riyadh exports millions of barrels of oil while bypassing Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz during its war with the United States.