The Houthi forces in Yemen have announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, announced on Monday that they would immediately impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. The two sides had engaged in their first clash in years last week, and this announcement has further escalated the situation.

The military spokesperson of the Houthi rebels, Sari, announced in a video statement on Monday (July 20th) that: "Based on the principle of eye for an eye, an immediate maritime blockade will be imposed on the evil Saudi enemy."

He claimed that this move was in response to the previous blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia on the "ports and airports" under the control of the Houthi rebels, as well as the attack on Sana'a airport last week. He added that the Houthi rebels would "counter the blockade with a blockade".

Sari also warned: "Any foolish actions taken by the reckless Saudi enemies due to the escalation of the situation will be met with a comprehensive and decisive counterattack."

Last week, the long-stalled conflict in Yemen suddenly intensified. It seems that Iran is challenging Saudi Arabia's dominance over the airspace in Yemen through its ally, the Houthi forces.

Previously, the Yemeni government had carried out an attack on Sana'a Airport in an attempt to prevent an Iranian flight carrying a delegation of Houthi militants from landing. In response, the Houthi militants fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday (13th).

The Houthi militants blamed this attack on supporters of the Yemeni government, in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

For over a decade, aircraft entering Yemen's airspace have been required to obtain prior permission from the Saudi-led coalition. This coalition, which supports the Yemeni government, claims that it has implemented this restriction measure at the government's request.