Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree says the group has imposed what he calls a “blockade in response to a blockade”, strikes on buildups of the Saudi military wherever they are located and the defence of Yemen’s sovereignty, according to Al Jazeera.
Saree adds that Houthi forces have targeted five Saudi oil vessels in the Red Sea and three in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea since announcing a ban on Saudi maritime navigation on July 20.
He claims the group also forced 48 Saudi oil vessels to turn back, including 34 in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and 14 in the Red Sea.
Additionally, the Houthis have carried out nine military operations targeting Yanbu, Najran, Jazan, Abha and oil supplies in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, as well as 14 operations against what Saree describes as “Saudi military buildups” in al-Ruwaik, al-Abr, al-Wadiah, Marib and al-Mokha.
“Any comprehensive escalation will be met with comprehensive escalation,” Saree warns, addressing Riyadh.
He adds that Saudi Arabia’s only option is to lift their blockade, end “an aggression”, withdraw foreign forces and leave Yemen’s resources to the people.
