Houthis Declare Maritime Embargo on Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Conflict
The conflict in Yemen continues to escalate as the Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Civil Defence issued air raid alerts for Riyadh and several other regions late Friday night and Saturday morning, citing explosions in the capital.
The Houthis' military spokesman said the naval blockade was retaliation for a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled north-western Yemen. This move comes after the Houthis seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha and Perim Island, which is a key shipping route used by Saudi Arabia to export oil to Asia and Europe.
The attacks on Saudi oil assets have had a direct impact on global energy markets, leading to sharply rising prices for petrol and diesel in many countries. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally asked US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis, but Trump has declined, offering instead to assist with intelligence and targeting support.