Yemen's Houthi movement claimed Wednesday that its military operations will continue and intensify, including targeting Saudi oil tankers in the northern Red Sea, with the stated goal of closing maritime access routes. The statement escalates the group's confrontation with Riyadh amid ongoing Saudi efforts to form a multinational maritime coalition.
Yemen's Houthi movement claimed Wednesday morning that its military operations will continue and intensify, specifically targeting Saudi oil tankers in the northern Red Sea. The group stated that the objective is to close maritime access routes and prevent their passage.
The claim follows a series of escalating threats from the Iran-backed group. On July 13, a member of the Houthi political council warned that Yemen could strike deep into Saudi territory and target oil and gas facilities, giving Riyadh a 'short time' to lift the blockade. On July 15, an unverified report indicated that pro-Saudi Yemeni forces were moving toward Houthi-controlled territory.
The Houthi escalation comes amid a significant Saudi military buildup. As The Zioneer reported on July 31, Saudi Arabia was reportedly preparing a sea and ground offensive against the Houthis in central Yemen to break the oil blockade. Riyadh has also formed a 14-nation maritime coalition, announced on July 30, to protect Red Sea shipping.
The Houthi movement has leveraged its control over Yemen's coastline to disrupt international maritime trade since the outbreak of the civil war. The deepening IRGC-Houthi nexus has provided the group with advanced military technology, including long-range ballistic missiles and loitering munitions.
The claim is unverified beyond the Houthi statement, and no specific timeline or operational details were provided.
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