Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia has put global shipping companies on notice, warning them to stay away from Saudi Arabian ports or risk being targeted anywhere their forces can reach, according to an email sent to multiple companies in the industry.
The message, dated July 20, was direct in its warning: “Vessels are banned from loading or discharging cargo at or from any Saudi ports.”
The email also urged companies to proceed with caution in all their business dealings. “We strongly recommend that your company exercise due diligence and the utmost care in all its dealings,” the message read.
The Houthis made clear that violations would carry serious consequences. “Any such activity would expose the violating vessels to sanctions. Furthermore, they may be subject to targeting in any location within the operational reach of the Yemeni Armed Forces,” the email stated.
The warning was sent by the Houthis’ Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center and was reviewed by Reuters, which confirmed multiple shipping firms received the message.
