In a new and pointed declaration, Mohammed al-Atifi, the Defense Minister of the internationally unrecognized Houthi government, emphasized that their forces are fully prepared to execute any directives from their leadership if what he described as the "blockade" on Yemen continues.
Al-Atifi warned coalition nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, about maintaining the blockade. He indicated that the Houthi-operated forces have increased their readiness in recent days, following the instructions from their leadership.
He further mentioned that the Houthi forces are ready to implement a strategy of "blockade for a blockade, airports for airports, and ports for ports," hinting at possible retaliatory measures against ongoing restrictions imposed on Yemen.
Al-Atifi asserted that the group now possesses military capabilities that enable them to set new terms, pointing out that Houthi leadership is aware of the hardships faced by Yemenis due to the "Saudi-American aggression and blockade" and asserting that this situation "will not continue."
He also praised the support of Yemeni tribes for the group and called for continued backing of Houthi forces and rejection of what he termed as foreign interference in Yemen's affairs.
These statements emerge against a backdrop of ongoing military and regional tension, with mutual threats exchanged between the Houthis and the coalition, amid growing concerns about a broader conflict and its impact on maritime security and regional trade.