World · World News Bureau
Houthis claim Red Sea safe for shipping except Saudi vessels
The Houthi movement said maritime traffic in the Red Sea is secure for all vessels except those flagged to Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by the group's military spokesman.
LSN World News ·
A spokesman for Yemen's Houthi movement declared on Monday that shipping lanes in the Red Sea remain open and secure, with a notable exception carved out for Saudi-flagged vessels. Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Iran-aligned group, made the assertion in comments signaling the movement's ongoing campaign targeting vessels connected to the Saudi-led coalition involved in Yemen's civil conflict.
The statement appears designed to distinguish between the Houthis' stated targeting of Saudi interests and their approach toward international maritime commerce. The Red Sea, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors connecting Europe and Asia, has been a focal point of regional tensions, with the movement previously announcing operations aimed at specific shipping traffic.
The Houthi claim comes amid broader concerns about maritime security in the region. The group has repeatedly announced military operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, citing their opposition to Saudi military involvement in Yemen as justification for such actions.
The Houthis have maintained their position that commercial shipping from other nations can transit the Red Sea without disruption, framing their operations as targeted rather than indiscriminate. This messaging reflects the movement's broader strategy of distinguishing between adversaries and neutral parties in regional maritime traffic.