Saudi Arabia rejects Houthi accusations of Yemen blockade, navigation ban

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned statements made by the military spokesperson of the Houthi militia, which accused the Kingdom of imposing a blockade on the Yemeni people and banning maritime navigation.

In an official statement, the ministry clarified that over recent years, Saudi Arabia has worked with Yemen’s legitimate government to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people by continuing development projects, supporting the government’s budget, and providing fuel to operate power stations.

The ministry added that ports in northern Yemen—Hodeidah, Al-Salif, and Ras Issa—received more than 300 ships carrying food, goods, fuel, and construction materials during the first half of 2026. This was done while maintaining the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which prohibits the entry of weapons and ammunition that the Houthi militia attempts to smuggle into Yemen.

Reminder of Houthi violations and call to the international community

The ministry highlighted previous Houthi attacks on the Yemeni people and infrastructure, including the attack on Aden Airport on December 30, 2020, the targeting of oil export ports in southern Yemen on October 21, 2022, the seizure of four Yemenia Airways planes held at Sanaa Airport, and attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, all of which have worsened the humanitarian situation in Yemen.

The ministry also noted that the Houthi militia has rejected all initiatives to resume flights from Sanaa Airport, most recently the Jordanian initiative, and continues to commit human rights violations against Yemeni citizens.

Commitment to peace and navigation rights

The ministry reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s position aims to achieve peace in Yemen and end the suffering of its people, expressing support for UN efforts and the roadmap approved by the Yemeni government, while the Houthi militia has yet to announce its acceptance.

The Foreign Ministry called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in implementing relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on the rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The ministry also stressed that Saudi Arabia will take all necessary measures to protect its vessels in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the Yemeni people and their legitimate government.