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Middle East and North Africa

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Saudi-led coalition warns Houthis of responding to their threats to ships in Bab El Mandeb

The coalition command has begun implementing measures in order to protect commercial vessels transiting the strait

TUNIS, July 21. /TASS/. The Saudi-led coalition threatened Yemen's Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) with decisive action over its threats against ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said.

According to the statement, the coalition command has begun implementing measures to protect commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Houthi threats against passing ships will be met with a firm and decisive response, as they are regarded as a clear violation of international law and constitute acts of maritime piracy.

Al-Maliki stressed that Houthi statements about the closure of Yemeni ports and airports are part of a disinformation campaign and an escalation against the Yemeni government and neighboring countries.

The Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia on Monday, saying the movement reserves the right to pursue comprehensive escalation in response to Riyadh's actions.

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Middle East and North Africa Saudi Arabia

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