Houthis Warn Ships Against Saudi Ports
Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned international shipping companies against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi Arabian ports, saying vessels that ignore the directive could be targeted. The warning has raised fresh concerns about trade and energy shipments through the Red Sea.
Houthis Warn Against Saudi Ports
The warning was issued in an email dated July 20 by the Houthis’ Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center and sent to multiple shipping companies.
The Iran-aligned group said vessels were prohibited from loading or discharging cargo at any Saudi port. It warned that companies violating the directive could face sanctions and that their ships might be targeted anywhere within the group’s operational range.
The order reportedly took effect at 12.01pm GMT on July 20, shortly after the Houthis announced what they described as a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Oil Tankers Change Routes
The warning prompted some immediate changes to commercial shipping routes. Oil tankers carrying Saudi crude towards China and India turned around in the Red Sea and headed towards the Suez Canal instead of sailing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
However, Saudi Aramco’s Yanbu terminal remained operational, with vessels already in the Red Sea or arriving through the Suez Canal continuing to load oil. No confirmed attacks on ships were reported in the Red Sea during the 48 hours following the warning.
Red Sea Shipping Risks Increase
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international trade and energy shipments. Disruption would remove an important alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has already faced restrictions.
Saudi Arabia rejected Houthi allegations that it was blockading Yemen. Riyadh said it would take all necessary measures under international law to protect its vessels and maritime interests.
Shipping companies are reassessing routes, security measures and insurance costs as regional tensions continue.
