The official spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, confirmed that the Coalition Joint Forces Command has begun implementing measures to protect commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, stressing that Houthi threats to passing ships will be met with all firmness and force.

Al-Maliki explained that the joint forces are taking firm and strict operational measures to protect maritime navigation, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.

He described the allegations regarding the closure of Yemeni ports and airports as part of the fallacies and Houthi escalation against the Yemeni government and neighboring countries, stressing that talk of a siege is a "misleading narrative."

He pointed out that more than 300 commercial ships entered the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa during the first half of 2026, loaded with foodstuffs, goods, fuel, and construction materials.

He added that the Houthi militia caused the closure of Sana'a International Airport and the destruction of aircraft belonging to Yemen Airways, and also rejected initiatives aimed at resuming flights to and from the airport.

Al-Maliki stressed that Houthi threats to passing ships represent a clear violation of international law and fall under acts of maritime piracy.