Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced what it described as a “naval blockade” against Saudi Arabia, warning that it is prepared for further escalation if what it calls the blockade of Yemen continues. In a statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of maintaining an “unjust blockade” on Yemen and said the group would implement an “eye for an eye” policy in response. He warned Riyadh against escalating tensions, saying the Houthis were prepared for “all options”. The announcement comes after Mahan Air resumed flights between Tehran and Sanaa for the first time in nearly 11 years. Yemen’s internationally recognised government, based in Aden and backed by Saudi Arabia, has condemned the flights as a violation of its airspace, while the Houthis describe restrictions on Sanaa airport as an “illegal air blockade”. The Houthis, who control Sanaa and large parts of western Yemen, have previously said that attacks on Sanaa airport effectively ended the ceasefire with the Saudi-led coalition.
