Coalition: We Will Protect Ships in Bab al-Mandab and Respond Firmly to Houthi Threats
The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced measures to protect ships in Bab al-Mandab, countering Houthi threats with firmness.
The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, announced the initiation of measures to protect commercial ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, emphasizing that Houthi threats to maritime navigation will be met with firmness and strength, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.
Al-Maliki denied the existence of a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports, pointing out that more than 300 commercial ships entered the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Isa in the first half of 2026, affirming that Houthi claims of closure are merely misleading narratives, and that their threats to ships amount to acts of maritime piracy.
He confirmed that the leadership of the Joint Forces of the Coalition has begun implementing measures to protect commercial ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, stressing that Houthi threats to passing ships will be met with firmness and strength.
Al-Maliki explained that the Joint Forces are taking firm and strict operational measures to protect maritime navigation, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.
He described claims regarding the closure of Yemeni ports and airports as part of the inaccuracies and escalation by the Houthis against the Yemeni government and neighboring countries, affirming that talk of a blockade is a "misleading narrative."
He pointed out that more than 300 commercial ships entered the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Isa during the first half of 2026, loaded with foodstuffs, goods, fuel, and building materials.
He added that the Houthi militia caused the closure of Sana'a International Airport and the destruction of aircraft belonging to Yemen Airways, and rejected initiatives aimed at resuming flights to and from the airport.
Al-Maliki confirmed that Houthi threats to passing ships represent a clear violation of international law and fall under acts of maritime piracy.