Houthi Forces Warn Saudi Ships Not to Cross Red Sea

Houthi forces backed by Iran in Yemen warned Saudi ships not to cross the Red Sea, via a message broadcast to ships in the vital waterway.

The message, broadcast on FM radio and obtained by CNN, stated that as a result of "the continuous blockade against the Yemeni nation, we warn all enemy ships belonging to the Saudi enemy to pass through [inaudible] and the Gulf of Aden."

The 29-second English message ended with a statement: "If the decision of the Yemeni armed forces is not obeyed, the ships will be our target."

The Houthi group announced the maritime blockade on Monday, a move condemned by Saudi Arabia.

"This warning marks a significant escalation in the regional maritime threat situation, which expands the scope of confrontation from the aviation realm and political pressure to the maritime realm," according to Marisks, a Greek maritime security agency.

"If the Houthis decide to enforce the embargo militarily, the most likely initial targets are ships directly owned, operated, or controlled by parties affiliated with Saudi interests," Marisks said.

Reuters reported on Tuesday, July 21, that the Houthis also sent emails to shipping companies, warning them not to load or unload cargo in Saudi Arabian ports, as such activities could make the ships targets of attacks anywhere.