Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the Houthi militia’s remarks regarding the blockade of maritime navigation to the Kingdom - Sarmad
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Monday the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation of the accusations made by the so-called military spokesperson for the terrorist Houthi militia, which alleged that Saudi Arabia was imposing a blockade on the Yemeni people and restricting maritime navigation.
In a statement, the Ministry said: “The Kingdom reaffirms that it has worked over the past years with the legitimate Yemeni government to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, including by 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 Isa) 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 aims to prevent 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, including the attack on Aden Airport on December 30, 2020, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of people. During the period of de-escalation, 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 payment of salaries to employees. 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 them from traveling, 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 to commit human rights violations against Yemeni citizens, attempting now to export its economic problems and popular rejection of its crimes and violations by fabricating false accusations and directing them at Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the Kingdom’s stance aims to achieve peace in Yemen and end the suffering of the Yemeni people. The Kingdom has supported UN 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, it engaged in regional conflicts to support its agenda and sinister objectives, thereby multiplying the suffering of Yemeni citizens in areas under its control.
The Ministry added in its statement: “The Kingdom calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 2216 concerning Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning the rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. At the same time, it reaffirms 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.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the Kingdom continues to support the Yemeni people and its legitimate government.
