SANA’A/RIYADH — Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthis) has sharply escalated its rhetoric against Saudi Arabia, accusing the Kingdom of sustaining what it described as a continuing economic blockade on Yemen despite years of shifting regional diplomacy. In a statement issued on Saturday, senior Ansar Allah spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam alleged that Riyadh has relied on its economic influence and oil-based political leverage to shape international positions, including within the United Nations, in an effort to obscure what he called the “true reality” of the humanitarian and economic pressure facing Yemen. He argued that international statements and resolutions cannot conceal the impact of restrictions that, according to the movement, continue to affect the country’s economy and civilian population. Abdulsalam also revisited the Saudi-led military campaign launched in 2015, claiming the coalition failed to achieve its objectives after years of conflict and has instead sought to maintain pressure through economic measures. He warned that any further miscalculation by Saudi Arabia could deepen regional tensions and reinforce what he described as Riyadh’s position as a direct adversary of the Yemeni people. Saudi Arabia has consistently rejected similar accusations in the past, maintaining that its policies are aimed at protecting regional security, countering cross-border threats, and supporting a United Nations-led political settlement to end the conflict. The Kingdom has also repeatedly said it supports a comprehensive peace process while emphasizing the need to safeguard maritime security and regional stability. The latest exchange comes at a time when Yemen remains at the centre of a fragile regional security landscape, with the Red Sea continuing to witness heightened tensions and international concern over freedom of navigation, humanitarian access, and the prospects for a durable ceasefire. Diplomats and analysts say the renewed war of words underscores the deep mistrust that continues to separate the parties despite intermittent negotiations, while the broader conflict remains unresolved and millions of Yemenis continue to face severe humanitarian challenges. Many of the claims made by the opposing sides could not be independently verified, and observers say any meaningful de-escalation will ultimately depend on sustained diplomatic engagement under international mediation rather than renewed political or military confrontation.
Ansarullah criticizes Saudi oil diplomacy, takes tough stance on Yemen issue
