Saudi Arabia condemns statements by the Houthi militia's military spokesperson

- The Kingdom calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding freedom of navigation and rights in the Red Sea

- It affirms that it will take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation of the accusations made by the so-called military spokesperson of the Houthi terrorist militia, which falsely accused the Kingdom of blockading the brotherly Yemeni people and banning maritime navigation.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday evening, the Ministry noted that “the Kingdom has worked over the past years with the legitimate Yemeni government to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people. This includes continuing development projects, supporting the Yemeni government’s budget, and providing petroleum derivatives to operate power stations. Furthermore, ports in northern Yemen (Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa) received more than 300 ships carrying various food items, goods, fuel, and construction materials during the first half of 2026. Work continues in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, which prohibits the entry of weapons and ammunition that the Houthi militia attempts to smuggle into Yemen by all means to prolong its control over the Yemeni people’s resources.”

The Ministry recalled the Houthi militia’s previous widespread attacks targeting the Yemeni people and infrastructure in Yemen. These included the attack on Aden Airport on December 30, 2020, which resulted in the death and injury of dozens of martyrs and wounded. During the truce period, the militia targeted oil export ports in southern Yemen on October 21, 2022, followed by further attacks aimed at halting the government’s ability to sell oil, which accounts for approximately 60% of government revenues. This directly impacted the government’s ability to pay employee salaries. The militia also confiscated four aircraft belonging to Yemenia Airways, detaining them at Sana’a Airport after they had transported Yemeni pilgrims from Jeddah Province. The militia then dragged Yemen into regional conflicts, targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea. This exacerbated the suffering of the Yemeni people, prevented travel, and worsened economic problems, particularly in areas controlled by the Houthi militia. The militia rejected all initiatives to resume flights from Sana’a Airport, including the latest Jordanian initiative. Additionally, the militia continues committing human rights violations against Yemeni citizens. It is now attempting to export its internal economic problems and the popular rejection of its crimes and violations by fabricating false accusations and directing them at the Kingdom.

The Ministry affirmed that the Kingdom’s position aims to achieve peace in Yemen and end the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people. The Kingdom has supported international efforts to achieve peace in Yemen over the past years, including the roadmap approved by the Yemeni government, while the Houthi militia refused to declare its acceptance. Instead, the militia engaged in regional conflicts to support its agenda and sinister objectives, thereby doubling the suffering of Yemeni citizens in areas under its control.

The Ministry added that “the Kingdom calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, primarily Resolution 2216 concerning Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning freedom of navigation and rights in the Red Sea. At the same time, it affirms that it will take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”