Warning Riyadh, those involved in escalation, Sayyed Al-Houthi reveals future of upcoming confrontation
SANAA, July 30 (YPA) – The leader of Yemen’s Ansarallah movement, Sayyed Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, delivered a televised address on Thursday warning Saudi Arabia and allied nations against continued military and economic escalation.
Sayyed Al-Houthi announced the enforcement of a “blockade-for-blockade” equation, including a naval ban on Saudi shipping, and pledged to meet any comprehensive escalation with an equal response, emphasizing Yemen’s right to self-defense, sovereignty, and continued support for the Palestinian cause.
Enforcement of Maritime Deterrence
Sayyed Al-Houthi stated that the decision to target Saudi oil tankers and enforce a naval blockade is a direct response to ongoing economic restrictions on Yemen. He reported that Yemeni forces had turned back 16 vessels and downed several reconnaissance and fighter aircraft.
Warning to Defense Suppliers
Directing warnings to foreign arms suppliers, Al-Houthi specifically mentioned Turkish-manufactured drones, alongside previously downed US MQ-9 Reaper and Chinese-made UAVs, asserting that foreign military hardware would prove ineffective in Yemeni airspace.
Rejection of De-escalation Terms
Sayyed Al-Houthi criticized the coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the US for maintaining economic pressure despite years of negotiations, stating that de-escalation periods failed to produce a genuine humanitarian breakthrough, complete withdrawal of forces, or reconstruction funding.
Regional Alignments and Palestine
Sayyed Al-Houthi reiterated that operations targeting “Israel” and US assets in the Red Sea would persist in solidarity with Gaza. He accused Riyadh of intercepting Yemeni missiles to protect “Israeli entity” and acting in alignment with US, British, and Israeli interests.
Call for International Investigation
Addressing recent international reporting regarding Jeffrey Epstein, Sayyed Al-Houthi called for the formation of an Islamic committee to investigate claims surrounding gifts linked to holy sites in Mecca.
YPA