Yemen’s Houthi movement has publicly dismissed allegations that it completely shut down the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, clarifying that its naval operations are strictly directed at enforcing an embargo against Saudi Arabia.

The group’s chief negotiator and official spokesperson, Mohammed Abdul Salam, refuted widespread reports regarding a complete maritime closure in a statement released on social media.

Abdul Salam emphasized that the actions taken by Yemeni armed forces represent a targeted naval blockade aimed exclusively at Saudi vessels in response to ongoing blockades against Yemen and the failure to establish a fair peace agreement.

He further noted that the strategic measures are designed to defend Yemen’s national security, sovereignty, and political independence without disrupting broader international maritime traffic.

The group’s leadership maintained that commercial shipping uninvolved with the Saudi government can continue safe passage through the vital maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.