Saudi Arabia Condemns Houthi Allegations, Reaffirms Support for Yemen
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
RIYADH, July 21, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned allegations made by the military spokesperson of Yemen’s Houthi militia accusing the Kingdom of besieging the Yemeni people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
The ministry rejected claims concerning restrictions on Yemen’s ports, saying Saudi Arabia had worked with the country’s internationally recognised government to alleviate humanitarian and economic hardship through development projects, budget support and the provision of petroleum derivatives for power plants.
More than 300 vessels carrying food, commercial goods, fuel and construction materials entered the northern Yemeni ports of Hodeida, Salif and Ras Isa during the first half of 2026, according to the statement.
The ministry said these shipments continued while measures were maintained to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216, including restrictions intended to prevent weapons and ammunition from being smuggled to the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia accused the group of attacks that damaged Yemen’s infrastructure and weakened the government’s financial position. The ministry cited the December 2020 attack on Aden Airport and the October 2022 strikes targeting oil export ports in southern Yemen.
Those attacks sought to disrupt oil sales, which account for approximately 60% of the Yemeni government’s revenue and support the payment of public-sector salaries, the ministry said.
The statement also accused the Houthis of seizing four Yemenia Airways aircraft after they transported Yemeni pilgrims from Jeddah and of rejecting initiatives to resume flights from Sanaa Airport, including a recent Jordanian proposal.
The ministry said Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea had further damaged Yemen’s economy and intensified travel restrictions, particularly in areas controlled by the group.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for United Nations-led efforts to secure peace in Yemen, including a proposed roadmap accepted by the Yemeni government.
The Kingdom called on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities under relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 concerning Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia also said it would take all necessary measures to protect its vessels in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the Yemeni people and their internationally recognised government.
