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July 21, 2026

Yemen's Houthis Declare Naval Blockade of Saudi Arabia, Opening New Front in Mideast War
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In Yemen, Houthi leaders have declared a naval blockade against Saudi
Arabia, opening a new front in the conflict embroiling the Middle East.
The announcement sent shock waves through global energy markets that
were already rattled from renewed U.S. attacks on Iran and the closure
of the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn a closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb
Strait near Houthi-controlled territory at the mouth of the Red Sea
could halt Saudi oil exports to Asia while slashing global oil supply by
some 7%. On Monday, thousands of Houthi supporters rallied in Sana'a in
support of the blockade.

Houthi supporter: "The decision is wise in response to the Saudi
aggression and its blockade. They have blockaded us for 12 years. So we
say to them: a blockade for blockade, airports for airports and ports
for ports."



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