Image for representation purposes only Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has warned global shipping companies not to load or unload cargo at Saudi Arabian ports, saying vessels that ignore the directive could face sanctions and be targeted “in any location” within the group’s operational reach, according to an email seen by Reuters. The warning took effect at 1201 GMT on Monday, a day after the Houthis announced an immediate naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The July 20 email was sent to multiple shipping companies by the Houthis’ Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC). It stated that “vessels are banned from loading or discharging cargo at or from any Saudi ports.” “We strongly recommend that your company exercise due diligence and the utmost care in all its dealings,” the email said. It added that any vessel violating the order would face sanctions and “may be subject to targeting in any location within the operational reach of the Yemeni Armed Forces.” The HOCC was the main body used by the Houthis to issue warnings to the shipping industry during the group’s attacks on merchant ships between 2023 and 2025, which ended after the Gaza ceasefire last October. One source at a shipping company that received the email told Reuters it appeared to be “a reminder of their presence in the area.” The warning follows the Houthis’ announcement on Monday that they were imposing an immediate naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree described it as an “eye for an eye” response to Saudi actions against Yemen. The group also said the move was in response to a Saudi missile strike on Sanaa International Airport last week and what it called “an unjust and oppressive siege” imposed by Riyadh. Saudi Arabia rejected the allegations, condemned the Houthi threat and said it would take “all necessary measures