Yemeni government vows not to let territory threaten neighbors, maritime security

Condemns Houthi attack on commercial vessel in Red Sea, warns group's actions jeopardising Yemen's national interests

Yemen's internationally recognised government said on Saturday it would not allow the territory to be used as a platform to threaten neighbouring countries or international maritime security, condemning the latest Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea.

The government described the attack as "a new act of terrorism that demonstrated the Houthis' determination to undermine regional and international efforts to reduce tensions and drag Yemen into conflicts."

It said the Saudi-led coalition's military response "was carried out within the framework of joint efforts to combat terrorism, protect international shipping and secure maritime routes, in line with international law and the principles of necessity and proportionality."

The government accused the Houthis of using the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait “to serve Iran's regional agenda and strengthen Tehran's negotiating position,” warning that the group's actions are jeopardising Yemen's national interests.

It said it would continue coordinating with the Saudi-led coalition and regional and international partners to protect civilians, preserve Yemen's sovereignty, secure international navigation and ensure the continued operation of Yemeni ports.

"The Yemeni state will not allow its territory to continue being turned into a platform to threaten its neighbours and international maritime security," it said, holding the Houthis responsible for the humanitarian, economic and security consequences of their actions.

The government also urged the international community to adopt a firmer stance against the group by cutting its sources of funding and weapons and holding its supporters accountable.

Saudi Arabia issues fresh warnings in western regions of Yanbu, Jazan about 'potential danger'

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued fresh warnings early on Saturday for residents of the western Yanbu Governorate and southwestern Jazan Province about “a potential danger” before later announcing that the threats had passed.

The Civil Defence said the National Early Warning Platform issued three alerts on Saturday for the Red Sea Yanbu Governorate, warning residents about a potential danger.

It did not specify the nature of the threats.

In subsequent updates, the Civil Defence said the dangers had passed in Yanbu Governorate.

The Civil Defence later said the National Early Warning Platform also issued a warning for Jazan Province to alert residents about a potential danger.

Authorities subsequently announced that the danger had also passed in Jazan Province.

There were no reports of casualties or damage.

Read more: Pakistan vows force against Houthi maritime threats

The Saudi-led coalition said late Friday that it launched a proportionate military response against legitimate Houthi military targets in Yemen's western Hodeidah province after the group targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The coalition said the Hodeidah Port was not targeted and that all Yemeni ports are open to maritime traffic, while the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Kamaran Island and telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah.

Yemen’s Houthis call strikes on Hodeidah dangerous escalation, vow retaliation

Yemen’s Houthi group described early on Saturday what it called Saudi strikes targeting civilian facilities in the western Hodeidah province as a “dangerous escalation,” warning that the attacks “will not pass without a response.”

The group’s Political Bureau said the “deterrence equation” established by the Yemeni people, leadership and armed forces “has become clear and steadfast.”

“The blockade will be met with a blockade, ports with ports, and escalation with escalation,” it said in a statement, warning that the continuation of the Saudi aggression “will bring the aggressors nothing but more losses.”

The statement came after the Saudi-led coalition confirmed late Friday that it was carrying out a proportionate military response against legitimate Houthi military targets in Hodeidah province.

The reported strikes came as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated after the group threatened to ban Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Houthis announced a ban Monday on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to vow a “firm and forceful” response and begin measures to protect vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.