Saudi Arabia condemns Houthis' ban on Saudi-flagged shipping

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned on Sunday the Houthis' announcement of a maritime ban on Saudi-flagged vessels, calling the move unacceptable and denouncing it in the strongest terms. The statement, issued by the Houthi military spokesman, was rejected by Riyadh as a direct threat to navigation in the Red Sea. The ministry said Saudi Arabia was calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities under UN Security Council Resolution 2722 on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. It added that the kingdom would take all necessary measures to protect its ships in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to the Saudi Press Agency, any steps taken would be carried out in compliance with international law. The Houthis had said their ban on Saudi-flagged shipping was a response to what they described as a blockade on Yemen that has lasted more than twelve years. Tensions in the region have escalated repeatedly since the Houthi announcement, raising concerns over further confrontation in the Red Sea corridor.