Eurasia Press & News
Yemen announced an immediate maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, citing Riyadh’s continued blockade and warning of further escalation.
Key Developments
Yemen’s Armed Forces announced an immediate ban on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia.
Sanaa said the measure responds to nearly 12 years of Saudi-led blockade and attacks.
Yemeni officials warned that any further Saudi escalation would trigger a broader response.
Mohammed Abdulsalam said Riyadh had ignored repeated opportunities to lift the blockade.
The announcement follows mass demonstrations supporting the “blockade for blockade” policy.
‘Blockade for Blockade’
Yemen’s Armed Forces, associated with the Ansarallah movement, announced on Monday the immediate implementation of a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, saying the measure is a direct response to Riyadh’s continued blockade of Yemen and warning that any further escalation would be met with an even stronger military response.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in the confrontation between Sanaa and Saudi Arabia, following recent attacks on airports and growing tensions across the region.
Military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the decision was taken after nearly 12 years of Saudi Arabia’s land, sea, and air blockade against Yemen.
He accused Riyadh of restricting Yemeni ports and airports, including the prolonged closure and repeated targeting of Sanaa International Airport.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a ban on maritime navigation by the criminal Saudi enemy under the equation of blockade for blockade. This decision shall take effect immediately upon the issuance of this statement,” Saree said.
He added that Yemen would continue to uphold the principle of “blockade for blockade” and “comprehensive escalation for comprehensive escalation.”
Warning against Further Escalation
Saree said Yemen’s Armed Forces are fully prepared for all possible scenarios and warned Saudi Arabia against taking additional military action.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm their full readiness for all options,” he said, adding that any “comprehensive escalation” by Saudi Arabia would be met with “a comprehensive and severe escalation.”
He also called on Yemenis to maintain nationwide mobilization and reinforce military frontlines, praising the large public demonstrations held across the country under the slogan “Warning and Mobilization Friday.”
Sanaa: Saudi Arabia Forced This Decision
Mohammed Abdulsalam, head of Sanaa’s negotiating delegation, said Yemen had been compelled to impose the maritime ban after giving Saudi Arabia ample time to fulfill its obligations and lift the blockade.
He accused Riyadh of delaying negotiations and attempting to distance itself from responsibility for the continued closure of Sanaa International Airport and the maritime siege imposed on Yemen.
“A blockade in response to a blockade is the natural, legal, and moral response to Saudi intransigence,” Abdulsalam said.
He warned that Saudi Arabia would bear full responsibility for any further escalation and said the new measures are intended to pressure Riyadh into ending the blockade.
Following Nationwide Mobilization
The announcement follows massive demonstrations held across Yemen last Friday under the banner ‘Warning and Mobilization Friday’, with hundreds of thousands gathering in Sanaa and other provinces.
Senior Yemeni officials said the rallies demonstrated broad public support for stronger measures against the Saudi-led blockade.
The maritime ban also follows recent Saudi attacks on Sanaa International Airport and a subsequent Yemeni military operation targeting Abha International Airport, amid repeated warnings by Ansarallah leader Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi that Yemen would implement the “blockade for blockade” and “airports for airports” equation if Saudi restrictions continued.
