Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have been recorded sending radio warnings to ships, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) confirmed, following the rebels' announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The blockade, declared on Monday, aims to disrupt Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, amid escalating tensions in the region.
Blockade Announcement and Radio Warnings
The Houthis announced a maritime embargo of Saudi Arabia on Monday, a move that threatens global oil markets by attempting to impede the top oil exporter's ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The ICS confirmed that the Houthis were recorded transmitting a warning message to ships in the region.
Christopher Long, the intelligence director at Neptune P2P Group, told AFP that the Houthis broadcast a message via radio to ships about the blockade. The message was recorded by a ship in the Bab el Mandeb Strait on Monday.
Potential Impact on Saudi Economy
If enforced, the embargo could further strain Saudi Arabia's economy by cutting off access to its Red Sea ports, which have been vital for oil exports as renewed fighting limits passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have not specified how they would enforce the blockade and have not attacked any ships so far.
