International Coalition Condemns Houthi Maritime Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

A broad coalition of international and Arab nations condemned threats by the Houthi militia to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed Saudi Arabia was besieging the Yemeni people and announced a ban on maritime navigation to and from the Kingdom.

In a cabinet meeting in Jeddah, the Government of Saudi Arabia dismissed these as false claims and reaffirmed its commitment to the legitimate government of Yemen. The Saudi government stated it will take firm measures to protect its security and vessels in accordance with international law. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan coordinated with Spain, Italy, and Germany to discuss regional de-escalation.

The United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf Cooperation Council joined the condemnation, asserting that such provocations endanger freedom of navigation and undermine peace efforts in Yemen. The United Nations reiterated that Security Council Resolution 2722 must be fully respected to maintain maritime security. Syria and Somalia also rejected the Houthi claims as attempts to distort Saudi Arabia's regional role.

The Government of Pakistan issued a particularly stern warning on July 22, stating that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be viewed as a grave threat to national security. Pakistan declared it reserves the right to use lawful force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets under the United Nations Charter.