AMBREY Threat CIRCULAR > ‘MARITIME EMBARGO’ AGAINST SAUDI ARABIA
Date issued: 20 July 2026
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“On 20 July, the Houthis military spokesperson, Yahya Sare’e, declared a ‘maritime embargo’ against Saudi Arabia. This announcement was preceded by a period of heightened tensions between the two parties. Ambrey assessed Saudi Arabia-flagged/-owned/-operated vessels, vessels enroute to or from Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports to constitute a strong affiliation with the Houthi target profile and therefore be at high risk of Houthi attack.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- The Houthis announced a ‘maritime embargo’ against Saudi Arabia.
- This announcement was preceded by a period of escalation, including airstrikes.
- The maritime domain has not yet been directly impacted, despite relevant threats.
- Saudi Arabia-affiliated or port calling shipping is assessed to be at high risk while operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- There is a heightened risk of the Houthis targeting companies who call Saudi Arabian ports, as they did with the ‘blockade’ of Israel.
- Saudi Arabian Red Sea ports are assessed to be at high risk of Houthis attack – a risk of Iranian attack persists due to regional escalation.
- Companies are advised to conduct affiliation checks against the Houthis target profile and to reconsider high risk transits.
SITUATION
On 20 July, the Houthis military spokesperson, Yahya Sare’e, declared a ‘maritime embargo’ against Saudi Arabia. In addition, the Houthis announced the ‘embargo’ via VHF Channel 16 stating: “So, we warn all ships belonging to Saudi enemy to proceed via the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in case of non-compliance […] those ships will be in our target.” Ambrey interpreted this as meaning a high risk to Saudi Arabia-flagged/-owned/-operated shipping. The broadcast was unclear regards trade, but other Houthis statements indicated trade to be at high risk too.
