DistantNews
Support us
US accuses Yemen's Houthis of imposing self-proclaimed maritime embargo in Red Sea
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

US accuses Yemen's Houthis of imposing self-proclaimed maritime embargo in Red Sea

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The U.S. accused Houthi rebels in Yemen of imposing a "self-proclaimed maritime embargo" through their attacks in the Red Sea and against Saudi infrastructure.
  • Houthi attacks have targeted over seven commercial vessels linked to Saudi Arabia, as well as Yemeni government-controlled territory.
  • The U.S. reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia and commitment to regional stability and free trade, while urging the UN to maintain operations outside Houthi-controlled territory.

The United States has accused Houthi rebels in Yemen of orchestrating a "self-proclaimed maritime embargo" through a series of attacks in the Red Sea and against energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Jennifer Locetta, the alternate U.S. representative to the UN, stated that these actions, along with drone attacks on Saudi airports, demonstrate a coordinated effort to dictate security dynamics around the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

These attacks, along with Houthi drone attacks against some Saudi airports, demonstrate a coordinated effort to impose a self-proclaimed maritime embargo and dictate security dynamics around the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

— Jennifer LocettaU.S. Representative to the UN, accusing Houthis of imposing a maritime embargo.

Locetta detailed that Houthi forces have attacked more than seven commercial vessels connected to Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. Additionally, the rebels have launched ballistic missiles and drones against internationally recognized Yemeni government territory in the past week. The Houthis had previously announced a maritime blockade against Saudi navigation in the Red Sea, claiming it was retaliation for restrictions in Houthi-controlled areas.

The Pentagon acknowledged that U.S. military operations in Yemen may have caused the deaths of 153 civilians in 2025. Locetta emphasized the clear link between Houthi activities and Iran, characterizing their actions as terrorism that increases regional instability and threatens global trade. The U.S. affirmed its strong support for Saudi Arabia against the Houthi threat and its commitment to regional stability and the free flow of commerce.

The link is very clear: the Houthis demonstrate active cooperation and alignment with Iran. They carry out terrorist acts that increase instability in the region and threaten global trade.

— Jennifer LocettaU.S. Representative to the UN, linking Houthi actions to Iran and regional instability.

Locetta also urged the UN to continue its operations in Yemen outside of Houthi-controlled territory until 73 detained UN workers are released. The Houthi actions, she warned, risk dragging Yemen into a regional conflict that does not serve the interests of the Yemeni people.

The activities of the Houthis risk dragging Yemen into a regional conflict that does not benefit the interests of the Yemeni people.

— Jennifer LocettaU.S. Representative to the UN, warning about the consequences of Houthi actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog