Kuwait has strongly condemned Yemen’s Houthi group over its threats against Saudi-linked maritime shipping, reaffirming its full support for Saudi Arabia and calling for the protection of international shipping routes.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected what it described as the Houthis’ “false allegations” against Saudi Arabia and denounced threats to the freedom and security of maritime navigation.
The ministry stressed that freedom of navigation must be safeguarded in accordance with international law and urged the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
It specifically called for the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which addresses the conflict in Yemen, and Resolution 2722, aimed at protecting navigation in the Red Sea.
Kuwait also reaffirmed its “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, stating that it supports all measures taken by the kingdom to protect its security, sovereignty and national interests.
The statement followed the Houthi group’s announcement on Monday of a maritime ban targeting Saudi-linked shipping. The group accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport, which is under Houthi control, last week.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition pledged to take “necessary and decisive” measures to protect commercial vessels transiting the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that any threats to maritime security would be met with a firm response.
Yemen has remained embroiled in conflict since 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen. The development prompted a Saudi-led military coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
The latest escalation has raised concerns that the relative calm achieved following the 2022 United Nations-brokered truce could deteriorate, potentially increasing tensions in the Red Sea and disrupting global shipping routes.
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