Saudi Arabia and Egypt Urge Free Navigation in Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks

The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Egypt on Tuesday emphasized the need to secure maritime navigation in the Red Sea, following recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi group. This development comes after the Houthis gained control of the southern entrance to the vital waterway, intensifying concerns over the security of shipping routes important for global trade.

Since renewed fighting broke out in July, the Houthis have intensified their conflict with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and declared a blockade on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Recent advances have seen the group take control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage for Saudi oil exports.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Cairo to discuss the situation. According to the Egyptian presidency, both leaders called for ensuring free and secure navigation through both the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz. President Sisi expressed Egypt's support for actions by Saudi Arabia aimed at maintaining its security and stability.

The ongoing hostilities have significantly impacted Egypt, as the Red Sea connects to the Suez Canal, a source of important foreign revenue for Cairo. Canal revenues have dropped to about half their previous levels since the Houthis began their Red Sea attacks in 2023, which they said were actions taken in solidarity with Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia has issued multiple alerts for potential Houthi strikes in cities including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan, with some resulting in injuries to civilians. The Saudi-led coalition has stated it will take all necessary measures to deter what it terms 'hostile and extremist' actions by the Houthis. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that 52 Saudi airstrikes occurred in Yemen within 24 hours, alleging civilian sites were targeted.

According to United Nations figures, the renewed conflict in Yemen has displaced 100,000 people internally. A US official reported that an American military task force is providing intelligence and planning assistance to Saudi forces. The broader Middle East conflict remains unresolved, as calls for negotiations continue without progress.