Saudi Arabia cites UN-backed inspections, dismisses allegations of port restrictions.
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected accusations by Yemen’s Houthi movement that it is blockading the Yemeni people and restricting maritime navigation, describing the claims as baseless and reaffirming its commitment to protecting maritime security in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the kingdom had worked closely with Yemen’s internationally recognised government in recent years to ease humanitarian suffering through development initiatives, budgetary support and fuel supplies for electricity generation.
The ministry said more than 300 ships carrying food, fuel, construction materials and other essential goods had entered the northern Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa during the first half of 2026. It added that inspections continued under UN Security Council Resolution 2216 to prevent the smuggling of weapons while facilitating the flow of humanitarian and commercial cargo.
The ministry accused the Houthis of aggravating Yemen’s humanitarian and economic crisis through attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping. It cited incidents including the 2020 attack on Aden airport, strikes on southern oil export terminals in 2022, the seizure of four Yemenia Airways aircraft and attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea.
It said these actions had weakened the Yemeni government’s financial position, disrupted air travel and worsened living conditions in areas under Houthi control.
Saudi Arabia reiterated that its policy remains focused on achieving peace in Yemen and supporting UN-led efforts, including a proposed roadmap accepted by Yemen’s government but not formally endorsed by the Houthis.
The kingdom also urged the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2216 and 2722, while reaffirming its continued support for the Yemeni people and the country’s legitimate government.
