Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi threat to impose maritime blockade

Saudi Arabia has condemned the Houthi movement's announcement that it intends to impose a maritime blockade on the Kingdom, calling the move a threat to regional security and freedom of navigation.

The Iran-backed Houthis said the measure was a response to what they described as a Saudi blockade of Yemen, accusing the Kingdom of worsening the country's humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia rejected the allegations, saying it would take "all necessary measures" to protect its ships.

The announcement raises concerns over shipping and energy supplies in the Red Sea, although the Houthis have not explained how they would enforce the blockade.

Yemen has been mired in civil war for more than a decade after the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015.

Despite the Houthi claims, commercial vessels have continued to arrive at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah in recent weeks, delivering food, fuel and other essential supplies, according to shipping data.