Saudi and Egyptian leaders call for free navigation in Red Sea amid renewed Houthi attacks
Saudi Arabia and Egypt urged unrestricted maritime traffic through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait after the Houthis seized control of Yemen's coastline and resumed attacks on Saudi targets.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Cairo on Tuesday and called for "ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation" through the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits, the Egyptian presidency said. The two leaders also affirmed Egypt's support for Saudi measures aimed at protecting its security and stability.
The Houthi movement, which now controls Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, has renewed fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since the conflict reignited in July. The group declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and has been targeting Saudi vessels and oil infrastructure, contributing to global crude prices above $100 a barrel.
Saudi Arabia issued, then quickly lifted, attack alerts for Mecca, Jeddah and Taif after missile and drone strikes wounded 13 civilians in three areas. A Saudi-led coalition said it would respond "firmly to protect the sovereignty of the Kingdom" and take "all necessary operational measures" against what it described as hostile actions.
The United Nations reported that the renewed fighting has displaced about 100,000 people within Yemen and forced thousands to flee to Djibouti, worsening an already severe humanitarian situation.
The United Nations Security Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the Houthi offensive. Meanwhile, Qatar warned that a closure of the Bab al-Mandab would have catastrophic global consequences, and Iran reiterated that any negotiations would depend on its conditions being met.