Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi…
Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia following strikes on Yemeni ports and Sana'a airport.
Consensus
- The Houthi movement denied that the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait was fully closed.
- The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait remains open for maritime traffic, except for ships from Saudi Arabia.
- The Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in response to the blockade of Yemeni ports and an attack on Sana'a's international airport.
- The blockade applies not only to vessels linked with Saudi Arabia but also to all sea traffic going to and from Saudi ports.
- The Houthi movement conducted a military operation against two Saudi tankers inthe Red Sea.
Points of divergence
- Houthi leaders specified that the blockade targets only the Saudi side, and they linked it to Riyadh's refusal to support what they consider a fair settlement ensuring Yemen’s security and independence. — kommersant
- The Houthi leader stated that the position of Yemen is limited to a maritime blockade targeting only the Saudi side in response to its siege of Yemen and rejection of any just solution guaranteeing national safety and independence. — interfax
Coverage (2 sources)
- Houthis deny complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — Коммерсантъ
- Houthis deny reports of complete closure of Bab el-Mandeb Strait — Интерфакс