Saudi Crown Prince Condemns Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, condemning attacks on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi militia. The Houthi threat to freedom of navigation has been a growing concern for regional and international leaders.

The conversation between the two leaders highlighted 'excellent relations' between their countries and peoples, with a focus on strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues. Burnham expressed his country's support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty in the face of Houthi aggression.

A recent escalation in hostilities has seen the Houthis declare a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping, while a Saudi-owned vessel sustained minor damage in an attack on Friday. The Saudi-led coalition responded with a 'proportionate military response' against Houthi targets in Yemen's western Hodeidah governorate.

The conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government of Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. The latest attacks have heightened concerns over the security of the Red Sea, a vital maritime route for Saudi oil exports.