Date issued: 14th August 2026
This document has been approved for distribution by Ambrey Analytics Ltd.
“The security environment in the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden remains volatile, with a Houthi campaign against Saudi-linked maritime interests and economic infrastructure. Houthis actions have confirmed the threat to Saudi Arabia-flagged or -owned vessels. Ambrey continues to assess Saudi-flagged/-owned/-operated vessels, vessels enroute to or from Saudi Arabia, and vessels carrying military/dual-use equipment to ports controlled by the Internationally Recognised Government of Yemen to constitute the present Houthis target profile. The absence of an actioned threat toward Saudi port calling vessels is assessed to reduce the likelihood of an attack at this time. However, the stated intent remains.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- The Houthis upheld elements of a ‘maritime embargo’ against Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi-owned tankers have been targeted, four reporting an incident, two more having been claimed by the Houthis.
- Non-Saudi shipping has not been attacked in the context of the ‘maritime embargo’. The threat to international shipping calling Saudi Arabia has not materialised.
- Saudi refineries were targeted in Yanbu and Jizan, the facility in Jizan has been disrupted until 30 August.
- Simultaneous, and potentially related, escalation of hostilities within Yemen have seen the port of Mocha and a general cargo vessel targeted. The attack against the vessel resulted in fatalities, though is not assessed to increase the threat to other shipping. Military shipments to Yemeni government-controlled ports are likely Houthis targets.
- Saudi Arabia-affiliated or port calling shipping is assessed to remain at high risk while operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- There remains a 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.
- Naval activity in support of shipping continue to be reported in the wider region, though only EUNVAFOR Aspides is confirmed to be supporting through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- 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. Since then, the Houthis have targeted multiple merchant vessels and launched attacks against Saudi Arabia and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. These actions have largely not been responded to by Saudi Arabia and…