The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the recent threats made by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support for the kingdom against these provocations.
A British Foreign Office spokesperson stated on Tuesday that "these provocations pose a risk of increasing regional instability, endanger navigation freedom in the Red Sea, and undermine efforts to achieve peace in Yemen."
He added, emphasizing: "We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia and other regional partners in confronting these threats, and we call on the Houthis to immediately cease their escalatory actions."
The Saudi Foreign Ministry had also expressed, on Monday, its strong condemnation of the statements by the so-called Houthi military spokesperson accusing the kingdom of blockading the Yemeni people and imposing a maritime blockade.
The ministry stated, "The kingdom has worked over the years with the legitimate Yemeni government to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, including ongoing development projects, budget support for the Yemeni government, and provision of fuel for electricity operations."
Moreover, the ports in northern Yemen (Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Isa) received over 300 ships carrying various goods during the first half of 2026, while enforcing the UN Security Council Resolution 2216 to prevent the entry of arms and ammunition sought by the Houthis to extend their control over Yemen.
Widespread Houthi Aggressions
The ministry recalled previous widespread attacks by the Houthis against Yemen's infrastructure, including the December 30, 2020 attack on Aden Airport, which resulted in dozens of casualties. They targeted oil export ports in southern Yemen on October 21, 2022, hindering the government's oil sales, crucial for 60% of the government's revenue, directly affecting salary payments to employees.
The Houthis also seized four planes belonging to Yemen Airways at Sana'a Airport after transporting Yemeni pilgrims from Jeddah, thus pushing Yemen into regional conflict and targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, exacerbating the suffering of the Yemeni people and increasing economic problems, especially in Houthi-controlled areas. Interventions to resume flights from Sana'a Airport, including a recent Jordanian initiative, were rejected, alongside continuous humanitarian violations against Yemeni citizens. The Houthis are now attempting to divert attention from their economic woes and growing public opposition by falsely accusing Saudi Arabia, according to the statement.
Achieving Peace
Additionally, the ministry affirmed that Saudi Arabia's stance aims to achieve peace in Yemen and end the suffering of the Yemeni people. Saudi Arabia has supported UN peace efforts over the years, including the roadmap which the Yemeni government agreed to, though the Houthis refrained from declaring acceptance while engaging in regional conflicts for their agenda, intensifying the suffering of citizens in their control areas.
Saudi Arabia calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 2216 concerning Yemen and Resolution 2722 on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to protect its ships in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The statement concluded by stressing Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Yemeni people and their legitimate government.