Houthis Declare Maritime Blockade on Saudi Shipping

The Houthi leadership in Yemen has declared a maritime blockade against all vessels linked to Saudi shipping, heightening the risk of volatility at the Red Sea's southern gateway.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical passage for global trade, with Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port loading approximately 4 million barrels per day (b/d) in mid-July. Disruptions at this location would also affect the Suez Canal, which carried around 22 percent of global seaborne container trade in 2023.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said that two Saudi oil tankers were targeted for their 'violation of the blockade decision issued by the armed forces.'

Five ships have been recorded turning around after heading towards the Bab el-Mandeb passage. The Xin Long Yang, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), initially reversed north towards the Suez Canal before resuming its original route.