📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Official U.S. Navy Page from United States of Amer
International
Houthis Declare Naval Blockade of Saudi Arabia, Threatening Indian Shipping
✍️ RTV English
🗓 22 Jul 2026, 07:11 AM
👁 1
The Houthi movement in Yemen has announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabian ports, citing retaliation for regional tensions. The move is expected to disrupt maritime traffic, including vessels carrying Indian goods.
The Houthi movement in Yemen announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabian ports on 20 July, citing retaliation for the Saudi-led coalition’s operations in the region. The blockade is set to commence immediately and will affect all maritime traffic entering or leaving the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
According to Houthi statements, the blockade will close the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, key maritime chokepoints for global trade. The group warned that any vessel entering these waters without explicit permission would face interception.
India, a major importer of oil and other goods through the Red Sea corridor, has expressed concern over the potential disruption. Shipping companies report that the blockade could delay the arrival of Indian cargo by several days, impacting supply chains and increasing insurance costs.
Saudi Arabia has condemned the blockade as a violation of international law and has called for diplomatic engagement. The United Nations and the International Maritime Organization have urged all parties to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
According to Houthi statements, the blockade will close the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, key maritime chokepoints for global trade. The group warned that any vessel entering these waters without explicit permission would face interception.
India, a major importer of oil and other goods through the Red Sea corridor, has expressed concern over the potential disruption. Shipping companies report that the blockade could delay the arrival of Indian cargo by several days, impacting supply chains and increasing insurance costs.
Saudi Arabia has condemned the blockade as a violation of international law and has called for diplomatic engagement. The United Nations and the International Maritime Organization have urged all parties to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the region.