Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Houthis Warn Ships Trading with Saudi Ports
The Houthis in Yemen have warned that ships trading with Saudi ports could be attacked.
This is part of a new maritime blockade they have imposed on Saudi Arabia.
The warning came after a dispute over Sana'a International Airport, which the Saudi-backed Yemeni government struck to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
The Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for this action.
Regional governments like Kuwait and Qatar have rejected the blockade, supporting the freedom of navigation.
This situation is making shipping in the area more risky, especially with ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Yemen has been in conflict since 2014, and this latest development could make the situation worse.
Houthis impose maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, warning ships trading with Saudi ports could face military action.
Regional governments like Kuwait and Qatar reject the blockade, supporting freedom of navigation under international law.
Dispute over Sana'a International Airport, which the Saudi-backed Yemeni government struck to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for the airport strike, launching missiles and drones towards the Kingdom.
Previous Houthi actions include targeting ships linked to Israel and the US, increasing risks for commercial navigation in the region.
- Who
- Houthis, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar
- What
- Houthis impose maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, warning ships trading with Saudi ports could face military action.
- When
- July 2024
- Where
- Yemen, Saudi Arabia
- Why
- Dispute over Houthi-controlled Sana'a International Airport and broader conflict dynamics.
Houthis
Saudi Arabia and Allies
Maritime Blockade
Houthis
The Houthis have imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, warning ships trading with Saudi ports could face military action.
Saudi Arabia and Allies
Saudi Arabia and allies like Kuwait and Qatar reject the blockade, supporting freedom of navigation under international law.
Airport Dispute
Houthis
The Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for striking Sana'a International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane from landing.
Saudi Arabia and Allies
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government claims it acted to prevent a Houthi delegation from landing.
- Date
- July 2024
- Location
- Yemen, Saudi Arabia
- Conflict Parties
- Houthis, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar
- Dispute Origin
- Houthi-controlled Sana'a International Airport
- International Response
- Rejection of Houthi blockade by regional governments
- Previous Actions
- Houthis have targeted ships linked to Israel and the US
- Conflict Duration
- Since late 2014
- UN Truce
- 2022 truce at risk of failing