Saudi Arabia has officially rejected accusations from Yemen’s Houthi rebels regarding a supposed maritime blockade on the country, labeling the claims as blatant misinformation. The Kingdom’s foreign ministry responded firmly to the group's threat to target Saudi vessels, declaring that it is prepared to implement all necessary security measures to safeguard its ships. Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, dismissed the Houthi narrative as a fabrication, emphasizing that the Coalition is actively protecting maritime traffic through the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.

To substantiate their position, Saudi officials pointed to shipping data from the first half of 2026, which shows that over 300 commercial vessels have successfully docked at Hodeida, Salif, and Ras Isa to deliver essential supplies, including fuel and food. Al-Malki further accused the Houthi militia of being the true architects of Yemen's logistical isolation, citing their actions in sabotaging the Yemenia Airways fleet and obstructing flights at Sana'a International Airport. The Houthis, however, persist in their rhetoric, claiming their actions are a retaliatory "eye for an eye" response to what they characterize as an oppressive siege, further complicating the already fragile landscape of a decade-long civil war.