Yemen’s Houthis say they have established three rules of engagement: countering Saudi restrictions with a maritime blockade, striking Saudi military deployments and defending Yemen’s sovereignty.

Military spokesperson Yahya Saree said Houthi forces had targeted eight Saudi oil vessels since banning all Saudi maritime shipping on July 20. He said five attacks occurred in the Red Sea and three in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.

According to Saree, the group also forced 48 Saudi oil vessels to retreat, including 34 in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and 14 in the Red Sea.

He said Houthi forces had launched nine attacks against Yanbu, Najran, Jizan and Abha, as well as oil supplies in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Another 14 operations targeted Saudi military deployments in al-Ruwaik, al-Abr, al-Wadiah, Marib and al-Makha.

“Any comprehensive escalation will be met with comprehensive escalation,” Saree warned.

He demanded that Riyadh lift its blockade, halt its offensive, pay public-sector salaries, withdraw foreign troops and leave all of Yemen’s natural resources firmly under Yemeni control.