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Houthis Declare Bab el-Mandeb Blockade Against Saudi Shipping

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
U.S. officials have not yet responded publicly to the Houthi announcement.
The Houthis said the blockade retaliates against a twelve-year Saudi siege of Yemen and threatens force against any breach.
The 2022 truce collapsed after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Yemen’s airport, prompting missile strikes and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard warning.

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Story summary

The Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
U.S. officials have not yet responded publicly to the Houthi announcement.
The Houthis said the blockade retaliates against a twelve-year Saudi siege of Yemen and threatens force against any breach.
The 2022 truce collapsed after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Yemen’s airport, prompting missile strikes and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard warning.