Yemen's Armed Forces announced on Monday the imposition of a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia, declaring that the measure comes under the principle of "blockade for blockade" in response to the ongoing siege imposed on the Yemeni people.

The spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement the decision takes effect immediately and forms part of Yemen's strategy to respond proportionately to actions that have, for years, restricted the country's economy and humanitarian access.

"The Yemeni people have the legitimate right to confront blockade with blockade," Saree said, stressing that the new measures reflect Yemen's determination to respond to continued pressure with what he described as comprehensive escalation.

He emphasized that the Yemeni Armed Forces remain fully prepared for all possible scenarios and warned that any further escalation by Saudi Arabia would be met with what he called a "comprehensive and severe response."

According to the statement, the maritime restrictions are intended to pressure Saudi Arabia to end policies that Yemeni authorities say have inflicted severe humanitarian and economic suffering on the country.

Saree also called on the Yemeni people to maintain nationwide mobilization and remain in a state of full readiness, urging volunteers to reinforce military frontlines in anticipation of any future developments.

The spokesman praised the widespread public participation in recent mass rallies held across Yemen under the slogan of "warning and mobilization," describing the turnout as unprecedented and portraying it as a demonstration of popular support for the country's resistance against external pressure.

He pledged that the Yemeni Armed Forces would continue their efforts until what he described as the restoration of the Yemeni people's usurped rights and the complete lifting of the blockade, regardless of the sacrifices required.

The announcement marks a significant escalation in regional tensions and comes amid continued military and political confrontation involving Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and other regional actors.

Yemeni officials have repeatedly maintained that their military operations are defensive in nature and are aimed at ending what they describe as years of blockade, aggression, and economic warfare against the country.

The latest declaration is expected to heighten concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, where Yemeni forces have previously warned that they would expand military measures in response to continued regional escalation. (ILKHA)