Saudi-led coalition in Yemen warns of danger south of Red Sea

By Aziz al-Ahmadi
SANAA, Yemen (AA) – The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen warned Monday of danger to global trade south of the Red Sea.

In a statement, the coalition said it detected indications of an “imminent danger” to international navigation and global trade south of the Red Sea, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

It cited “hostile” movements and activities by the Houthi rebels in Yemen using explosive-laden boats.

The coalition said it has taken measures to neutralize the threat and ensure freedom of navigation, without giving any further details.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthi group on the coalition’s statement.

Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, regularly announce rocket and drone attacks on Saudi territories, saying they are a reaction to the Saudi-led coalition’s assault on Yemen.

Yemen has been beset by violence and chaos since 2014, when Houthis overran much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. The crisis escalated in 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition launched a devastating air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi territorial gains.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the conflict has claimed more than 233,000 lives.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara