Sanaa: (RightNow) Yemen’s Houthi group announces Bab al-Mandab strait closed for Saudi Arabia but open for other countries. A Houthi spokesperson states this move is a response to Saudi actions against Yemen’s sovereignty.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam clarified on social media platform X. He mentioned reports of a complete blockade of Bab al-Mandab are incorrect.

He stated this naval blockade is a reaction to Yemen’s siege. The action aims to pressure Saudi Arabia to ensure Yemeni people’s safety.

The spokesperson emphasized Houthi actions are not intended to disrupt global maritime trade. Their goal is to bring Saudi Arabia to the negotiation table for resolving the Yemeni crisis.

It is noteworthy that since October 2023, the Houthi movement has targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These actions are to show solidarity with Palestinians.