Houthis threaten wider escalation against Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned Saudi Arabia of a broader escalation, saying any major Saudi action will be met with an equally extensive response.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group has established three main rules of engagement: imposing a maritime blockade in response to Saudi restrictions, targeting Saudi military deployments and defending what it calls Yemen’s sovereignty.
Saree claimed Houthi forces have targeted eight Saudi oil vessels since banning Saudi maritime shipping on July 20. Five attacks reportedly occurred in the Red Sea and three in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. He also said 48 Saudi oil vessels were forced to retreat.
The Houthis further claimed responsibility for nine attacks targeting areas including Yanbu, Najran, Jizan and Abha, as well as oil facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Another 14 operations were reportedly directed at Saudi military positions in Yemen and surrounding areas.
Saree warned that “any comprehensive escalation will be met with comprehensive escalation.”
The Houthis are demanding that Riyadh lift its blockade, end its military offensive, pay public-sector salaries, withdraw foreign forces and ensure Yemen’s natural resources remain under Yemeni control.
