Yemen's Houthi declares maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/UNSPLASH/Alicja Ziaj

JAKARTA - The Houthi group in Yemen announced a "maritime blockade" against Saudi Arabia that took effect immediately.

Military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a statement broadcast on the group's Al-Masirah television that the maritime navigation ban related to Saudi Arabia "has been in effect since the time this statement was issued."

Reporting from Anadolu, Tuesday, July 21, Saree warned that any Saudi escalation would be met with what he called a "comprehensive and heavy escalation."

There was no immediate comment from the Saudis on the Houthi announcement.

Last week, the Houthi group accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an air raid on Sanaa airport and launching missiles into Saudi territory, ending years of calm.

Although Riyadh has not commented on the Houthi allegations, the internationally recognized Yemeni government claims responsibility for the attack, saying they targeted the airport to prevent Iranian planes from landing.