Yemen's Houthis announce maritime ban on Saudi shipping

SANAA, Yemen — Yemen's Ansar Allah group, known internationally as the Houthis, declared a ban on shipping linked to Saudi Arabia, framing the measure as part of a "siege in response to a siege" strategy. In a statement released Monday, the group said it is prepared to use "all options" and warned that any Saudi escalation would draw a "comprehensive and harsh response." The group called on the public to maintain a state of general mobilization and to reinforce front lines with fighters. Ansar Allah political bureau member Hizam Asad said the movement has several options available to lift what it describes as the siege on Yemen, including imposing a blockade on Saudi Arabia. He added that if the siege is not lifted, armed forces are moving toward all-out war. Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said last Thursday that Saudi Arabia was seeking to "strike" any position that supports the Palestinian cause or takes a joint stance against the United States and Israel. No Saudi response to the latest announcement was immediately available.