Houthi attacks on commercial vessels threaten maritime navigation, Saudi deputy chief of staff warns

Saudi Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili said that Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers since 2023 have posed a significant threat to freedom of navigation. He noted these threats coincide with disruptions to transit in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the need for an effective collective response to protect vital maritime corridors and strengthen regional and international security and stability.

Speaking at the 2026 Manama Dialogue Forum, Al-Ghufaili emphasized that maritime straits must not be used as tools for pressure, escalation, or arenas for conflict and competition.

The deputy chief of staff stressed that protecting ships and ports and ensuring freedom of navigation require enhanced international coordination, intelligence sharing, and expertise exchange to address maritime threats and prevent them from escalating into crises.