The Houthi militia warns shipping companies against operations at Saudi ports, citing risks of targeting and a naval blockade.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia has warned shipping companies not to load or discharge cargo at Saudi Arabian ports or risk being targeted, reported Reuters.
The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, raising fears of disruption to global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf. An email sent by the group's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center in Sanaa stated that vessels were banned from Saudi ports as of 1201 GMT on July 20.
The email warned that violators could face sanctions or targeting by Yemeni armed forces. Analysts noted that this move could close the Red Sea's southern gateway, cutting off a vital alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
Red Sea traffic has already been impacted by Houthi attacks since November 2023, carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The HOCC was the main channel for warnings during the campaign against merchant shipping that concluded with the Gaza ceasefire last October.
Sources informed Reuters that Saudi tankers were taking precautions, including switching off tracking transponders. Saudi Aramco declined to comment, while Riyadh vowed to take 'all necessary measures' to protect its vessels.
Two Saudi crude tankers bound for China and India turned back in the Red Sea on Tuesday, heading for the Suez Canal instead of Bab el-Mandeb. Maritime risk group Vanguard reported that the rerouting was the first confirmed change in tanker traffic since the embargo.
Aramco has increased its use of Yanbu port in the Red Sea since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began in February. The terminal continues to load oil onto ships already in the Red Sea or arriving via Suez. The US navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center stated that no confirmed attacks had occurred in the past 48 hours.
