Sudan urged the Houthi movement to refrain from targeting Saudi ports or other facilities on the Red Sea coast.

(KHARTOUM) – The Yemeni Houthi group's declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi ports has been met with concern by Sudan, which has described it as a direct threat to Red Sea navigation. The Iranian-backed Houthis have claimed that they have forced six ships in the Red Sea to turn back, after threatening to target vessels that fail to comply with their announced maritime ban against Saudi Arabia. However, Sudan has expressed full support for any security measures taken by Riyadh.

Six vessels had turned around

A military source was quoted in Houthi-run media over the past 24 hours, saying that six vessels had turned around. Houthi warnings had been issued amid escalating regional tensions. Reuters reported that two oil tankers carrying Saudi cargoes bound for Asia had altered course in the Red Sea following Houthi threats and were heading toward the Suez Canal.

A Statement of the Sudanese Government 

In a statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the government is “deeply concerned by the Houthi militia's statements regarding the imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi ports. This poses a direct threat to maritime navigation in the Red Sea and harms the security and economic interests of coastal states”.

The statement reaffirmed Sudan's full backing for Riyadh's right to take all necessary security measures to ensure the safety and operation of its ports and safeguard Saudi national security. In addition, the foreign ministry noted that the Houthi militia's actions are a threat to security and stability in the Gulf region and Red Sea coastal states, carrying dangerous implications for broader regional security.

Related: Yemen’s Houthis announced a Maritime Navigation blockade of Saudi Arabia

Sudan urged the Houthi movement to refrain from targeting Saudi ports or other facilities on the Red Sea coast.
The Sudanese government also urged the regional and international community to implement further pressure and measures to combat and eliminate terrorist militia activities across the region

The importance of the Red Sea

The Red Sea is of vital geopolitical importance due to its strategic location connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a major route for global trade, with thousands of commercial vessels passing through its waters each year. Control of the Red Sea provides a significant advantage in terms of naval operations and the ability to project power in the region. The Red Sea is also one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors, accounting for 10–15% of global sea trade, as well as significant container and oil traffic. Disruptions to the Red Sea would therefore pose a direct risk to international trade and energy markets.
 # Red Sea #Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs # Yemeni Houthi group #Saudi ports #Houthi blockade threat