DID Press: Saudi Arabia is increasingly concerned that Ansarullah could block the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, as the movement escalates its “blockade for blockade” strategy and warns of stronger measures if pressure on Yemen continues.
According to Saudi sources cited by Reuters, Riyadh is taking Ansarullah’s threats seriously, acknowledging the group’s military capabilities and its potential ability to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a vital maritime chokepoint whose strategic importance has grown amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The report says Saudi officials view the prospect of restrictions on Saudi shipping as a credible risk if current tensions persist.
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Ansarullah, recently accused Saudi Arabia of being responsible for Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and warned that Sanaa would resort to tougher measures if the blockade continues.
Several members of Ansarullah’s political bureau have stated in recent days that closing Bab al-Mandab to Saudi vessels remains one of the movement’s principal options for breaking the blockade. They also warned that Saudi oil tankers could become targets, raising the possibility of the first major disruption to the kingdom’s maritime oil exports since the conflict began in 2015.
Economists in Sanaa have suggested that any prolonged interruption of Saudi oil exports could push global crude prices above $150 per barrel. Saudi Arabia exports millions of barrels of oil daily through the East–West Pipeline to the Yanbu terminal, making any disruption a potential challenge to the kingdom’s oil-dependent economy.
Analysts also warn that escalating tensions could affect operations at the Jeddah Islamic Port, which has become an increasingly important trade gateway as shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz face growing uncertainty. Disruptions at Jeddah could have wider implications for regional supply chains and Gulf economies.
Sanaa has previously announced a “port for port” strategy, identifying Yanbu and Jeddah among potential targets. With approximately 12% of global trade and 30% of the world’s container traffic passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, any disruption could have significant consequences for international maritime commerce.
Officials aligned with Ansarullah say the strategy is intended to pressure Saudi Arabia into lifting restrictions on Sanaa International Airport and the ports of Hudaydah, paying public-sector salaries, implementing a comprehensive prisoner exchange, and reopening key roads across Yemen.