Kuwait condemned the Houthi group’s threats against Saudi shipping, reaffirming its support for Riyadh and emphasizing the necessity of protecting freedom of navigation under international law. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Houthi’s “false allegations” against Saudi Arabia and condemned any threats to maritime security. The ministry urged the international community to uphold relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly those addressing the situation in Yemen and the protection of navigation in the Red Sea.
This statement followed the Houthis’ announcement of a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping, which they justified by accusing Riyadh of bombarding Sanaa International Airport. In response, the Saudi-led coalition pledged decisive measures to safeguard commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning of strong repercussions for any Houthi threats.
Tensions escalated further when a senior Houthi official claimed that Saudi Arabia’s “valuable targets” were within reach and that the group was prepared to pay a high price to end what they described as a blockade on Yemen. The official also indicated that Sanaa International Airport would remain open to flights from all nations, cautioning that any Saudi interference would provoke a comprehensive response.
