Houthis warn ships against using Saudi ports
Shipping companies receive Houthi warning as regional tensions raise concerns over trade routes and energy supplies
LONDON (MNTV) — Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned international shipping companies against loading or unloading cargo at Saudi Arabian ports, saying vessels that continue such operations could face military action, according to an email circulated to multiple maritime firms.
The warning followed the group’s announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, expanding tensions in the Red Sea amid the wider regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to the email, issued by the Houthis’ Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), vessels using Saudi ports after the restrictions took effect on Monday could be considered in violation of the group’s directives and may be targeted within the operational range of Houthi forces.
The HOCC previously issued similar notices to the shipping industry during the Houthis’ campaign against commercial vessels in the Red Sea between late 2023 and 2025.
Maritime analysts say any prolonged disruption at the southern entrance to the Red Sea could affect one of the region’s most important shipping corridors, increasing risks for global energy markets and international trade.
Industry sources said some shipping companies viewed the latest communication as a reminder that the Houthis remain capable of threatening commercial navigation despite a period of reduced attacks.
Shipping sources also reported that Saudi-operated oil tankers have adopted precautionary measures, including limiting the use of vessel tracking systems in certain areas.
On Tuesday, two tankers carrying Saudi crude oil for China and India reportedly changed course in the Red Sea, sailing north toward the Suez Canal instead of continuing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after the Houthi warning.
British maritime risk analysts said the rerouting marked the first confirmed change in commercial tanker movements linked to the new Houthi restrictions and could increase disruption to Saudi oil exports if the situation escalates.
Saudi Arabia rejected Houthi accusations that it is imposing a blockade on Yemen and said it would take all necessary measures to protect its commercial shipping.
Despite the heightened tensions, the U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center said it had received no confirmed reports of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea during the previous 48 hours.
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