The crisis in the Red Sea has entered a new and more dangerous phase, after Yemen's Houthi rebels declared a complete ban on maritime traffic to and from all Saudi Arabian ports.
The decision was announced in an urgent notice by the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) to shipowners, management companies and shipping operators worldwide. The measure came into effect on 20 July 2026, at 15:01 local time (12:01 UTC).
According to the announcement, any ship is prohibited from loading or unloading goods at any Saudi port. The Houthis warn that ships that do not comply with this decision could face sanctions and become targets of attacks "at any point within the operational range of the Yemeni Armed Forces."
In their statement, the Houthis justify their decision by claiming that Saudi Arabia continues to maintain a blockade on Yemen, which they say has lasted for nearly 12 years. They also accuse Riyadh of military operations, violations of Yemeni airspace and attacks on Sanaa International Airport, claiming that these actions are deepening the humanitarian crisis in the country.
The HOCC has called on shipping companies to exercise "utmost caution" when planning voyages, recommending avoiding any voyages to or from Saudi ports to ensure the safety of ships and crews.
The development is expected to raise concerns in the global shipping industry. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil exporters and its ports are important hubs for oil tankers, cargo ships and containers.
If the Houthis' threats are implemented in practice, experts warn that there could be significant increases in maritime security costs, war premiums and transport tariffs, as well as diversions of sea routes and new disruptions in global supply chains.
