Ansarullah Official: Blockade-for-Blockade Equation Directed Solely at Saudi Arabia

Fadl Abutalib, Secretary-General of the Political Office of Ansarullah, said Yemen’s strategic focus is directed toward Saudi Arabia, the party responsible for leading the military campaign and comprehensive blockade imposed on Yemen since 2015.

He confirmed the Saudi regime is exploiting the humanitarian suffering in Yemen, arguing that Riyadh is relying on prolonged pressure to further weaken the country and pursue its objectives.

He said the blockade has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and defended the blockade-for-blockade equation, calling it a legitimate and just response aimed at securing the rights of those affected by the blockade.

Abutalib stated that calls to lift the blockade are not new, saying Yemen’s leadership and people have sought its removal for the past 12 years through dialogue and political negotiations. He stressed those efforts failed after Saudi Arabia rejected proposals, prompting Yemen to adopt a reciprocal blockade strategy.

He maintained that Yemen’s position is defensive rather than offensive, arguing that Saudi Arabia initiated both the military campaign and blockade. According to Abutalib, the current measures reflect public demands from Yemenis facing difficult humanitarian and economic conditions.

He further said the demand to end the blockade represents all Yemenis in both the north and south and reiterated that Yemen’s position is directed solely at Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on Saudi-backed Yemeni factions, he said they oppose efforts to end the blockade and stated they are acting in line with Saudi interests rather than those of the Yemeni population.

Earlier on Monday, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the immediate enforcement of a maritime ban on the Saudi enemy under the “blockade for blockade” equation, saying the measure was a response to the continued blockade and recent escalation, including Saudi airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport.