- The Houthi movement announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, warning that Saudi-linked vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb would be targeted.
- Earlier in July, the Houthis declared a maritime siege on Red Sea shipping to and from Saudi Arabia, launching missiles and drones at the kingdom.
- July’s escalation is the biggest since a truce was agreed to in 2022 and came amid a resurgence of US attacks on Iran.
- Nearly 20 fighters from both sides were involved in clashes between the Houthis and government forces around Hodeidah.
- The maritime embargo was described by the Houthis as an “eye for an eye” response to a recent incident and a nearly 12-year Saudi-led blockade of Yemen’s ports and airports.
- The Houthis are using the Bab el-Mandeb as a strategic lever, expanding their use of maritime pressure as a geopolitical tool.
The Houthis have escalated their maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning that vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait will be targeted. This blockade is seen as a response to a long-standing Saudi-led blockade of Yemen, which has severely impacted the Yemeni population.2
The group has communicated its threats to shipping companies, advising them against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports, or risk being attacked anywhere within their operational reach. Approximately 30 percent of global container traffic and 12 to 15 percent of overall global trade pass through the Red Sea, making this blockade a significant geopolitical maneuver.
The Houthis aim to replicate Iran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, as they seek to control shipping flows in the Bab el-Mandeb. Data indicates that shipping through the Red Sea is already declining, with only 11 commodity vessels reported passing through on a recent Sunday. The maritime embargo is described as an “eye for an eye” response to the Saudi blockade, which has lasted nearly 12 years.35
The situation has escalated since July, when the Houthis declared a maritime siege and launched missiles and drones at Saudi targets. This escalation is the most significant since a truce was agreed upon in 2022, coinciding with a resurgence of US attacks on Iran. Yemeni civilians have suffered greatly, with an estimated 377,000 deaths attributed to the war's impacts, including famine and disease.
“The Houthis described the maritime embargo as an 'eye for an eye' response to a nearly 12-year Saudi-led blockade of Yemen. This escalation marks the biggest increase in hostilities since a truce was agreed to in 2022, coinciding with a resurgence of US attacks on Iran.”
