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Houthis Declare Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia, Warn Ships at Saudi Ports
The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20 and sent an email to shipping companies warning against loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports. The measures took effect at 1201 GMT that day. The email was issued by the group's Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center.
Jul 21, 7:46 AM·1m read1 source
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The email sent by the Houthis' Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center stated that vessels engaging in loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports would be banned and could face targeting in any location within the operational reach of the Yemeni Armed Forces.
Received by multiple shipping companies and seen by Reuters, it said the new conditions came into force at 1201 GMT on July 20. It added that violating vessels would be subject to sanctions and recommended that companies exercise due diligence in their dealings.
Al-Monitor reported that the Houthis began attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea in November 2023 and that the campaign ended with the Gaza ceasefire in October 2025. The HOCC served as the main unit the Houthis used to issue warnings to the shipping industry during the earlier period of attacks.
One source at a company that received the email described it as a reminder of the group's presence in the area.
The blockade declaration opens a new phase in the Houthis' operations after more than eight months without such attacks on commercial vessels.
