Saudi Arabia warns of Houthi threats to Red Sea navigation

Saudi Arabia warned Wednesday that attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group pose a threat to maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, calling for joint international action to protect key waterways, Anadolu reports.

The warning came during a UN Security Council session, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Abdulaziz Alwasil delivered the Kingdom’s statement at the meeting.

“Protecting maritime corridors and ensuring freedom of navigation are shared international responsibilities that require adherence to international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.

Riyadh warned that Houthi threats to maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb could have repercussions for international trade and global supply chains.

Saudi Arabia also highlighted the launch in July of a multinational defensive maritime coalition aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting freedom of navigation amid threats to vital waterways in the region.

READ: Saudi Arabia issues emergency alerts over ‘potential danger’ in Jeddah, Mecca, Taif

In July, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since March 2015 against the Houthis, who are accused of receiving Iranian support and have controlled the capital Sanaa and several provinces since September 2014.

In addition to targeting Saudi vessels, the Houthis have launched attacks on sites inside the Kingdom, including energy facilities, causing civilian injuries and material damage.

Iran has also launched missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Tehran in late February, claiming it was targeting American interests in the Kingdom.

Riyadh, however, has said the attacks struck civilian infrastructure and, in some cases, facilities linked to the Saudi energy sector.

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