Coalition vows to protect Bab Al-Mandab shipping, warns of firm response to Houthi threats

RIYADH — The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition said it has begun implementing measures to protect coalition commercial vessels transiting the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and will respond firmly to any Houthi threats against maritime navigation.Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the coalition's measures are being carried out in accordance with customary international humanitarian law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).Al-Maliki rejected Houthi claims that Yemeni ports and airports are under blockade, describing them as false allegations intended to escalate tensions against the Yemeni government and neighboring countries.He said more than 300 commercial vessels carrying food, fuel, construction materials and other goods entered the northern Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Al Salif and Ras Isa during the first half of 2026.Al-Maliki added that the Houthis were responsible for the closure of Sanaa International Airport, the destruction of the Yemenia Airways fleet and the rejection of initiatives aimed at resuming flights to and from the airport.He said the coalition has begun implementing protection measures for coalition vessels transiting the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and warned that any Houthi threats against commercial shipping would be met swiftly and firmly."The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition undertakes and executes all firm and resolute operational measures to protect our commercial vessels transiting through Bab Al-Mandab Strait," Al-Maliki said."All Houthi threats against transiting vessels will be dealt with swiftly and firmly, as such threats are a blatant violation of international law and constitute acts of maritime piracy."