The pro-Saudi coalition in Yemen on Tuesday published a statement justifying its blockade on the Houthi movement and declaring it will act with determination against the group, according to a report.
The pro-Saudi Yemeni coalition on Tuesday justified its blockade on the Houthi movement and vowed to act with determination, according to a report. The statement, published today (Tue, Jul 21), follows a series of escalations on Monday evening (Jul 20, 23:30 Jerusalem), when the Saudi-led coalition warned it would respond 'forcefully' to Houthi threats in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry denounced the Houthi naval blockade declaration.
The Houthi movement announced a blockade on Saudi ports on Monday, threatening shipping through the Bab al-Mandab strait. Later that evening, the Saudi-led coalition's spokesman, Rear Admiral Turki al-Maliki, said the coalition had begun implementing protective measures and would respond with force, describing the Houthi threats as piracy. The Saudi Foreign Ministry accused the Houthis of diverting attention from internal crises.
The wider conflict has seen escalating rhetoric and actions. As The Zioneer reported on Jul 15, pro-Saudi Yemeni forces were reportedly moving toward Houthi territory. On Jul 3, a Houthi spokesman threatened to strike Saudi airports if the blockade continued. The Houthis have also been accused of using an Iranian air corridor to transfer experts, as reported on Jul 13.
The claims in this development remain unverified. The Houthi blockade declaration and the coalition's justifications have not been independently confirmed, and the situation continues to unfold.
3 developments
- DevelopingYemen's Saudi-backed legitimate government forces prepare to resume fighting Houthis
- DevelopingUnverified report: Pro-Saudi Yemeni forces moving toward Houthi territory ahead of attack
- DevelopingHouthis declare readiness for 'any scenario' amid tensions
- StrongSenior Saudi Official: Historic Opportunity for Cooperation with Israel Against Houthis
Source and signal
- Internal intake