Kuwait on Tuesday, 21 July formally condemned the Houthi group's threats against Saudi shipping lanes and declared full solidarity with Riyadh, as tensions over the Red Sea and Sanaa International Airport escalated sharply across the region.

Kuwait's Official Position

Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement rejecting what it described as the Houthi group's 'false allegations' against Saudi Arabia and denouncing threats to the 'freedom and security of maritime navigation.' The ministry called on the international community to enforce relevant UN Security Council resolutions — specifically Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 on protecting navigation in the Red Sea. Kuwait reaffirmed its 'full solidarity' with Saudi Arabia, expressing support for all measures the kingdom takes to safeguard its security and sovereignty.

What Triggered the Escalation

The Kuwaiti statement came a day after the Houthi group announced a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping, accusing Riyadh of bombing the Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport the previous week. In response, the Saudi-led coalition vowed 'necessary and decisive' measures to protect commercial vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Notably, the airport strike was reportedly carried out by Yemen's internationally recognised government, which targeted the runway to prevent an Iranian aircraft carrying a senior Houthi delegation from landing — forcing it to divert to Hodeidah. The Houthis subsequently claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport.

Houthi Warnings and Counter-Threats

A senior Houthi official warned on Sunday that Saudi Arabia's 'valuable targets' are within range of the group's forces, and that the Houthis are prepared to 'pay the highest price' to end what they describe as a blockade on Yemen. Abdullah Al-Naami, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, told Lebanon-based broadcaster Al Mayadeen that Sanaa International Airport would receive flights 'from all countries,' warning that any Saudi attempt to block flights would trigger 'a comprehensive response.' Al-Naami also cautioned that if the United States joined Saudi Arabia in military action against Yemen, Washington would 'find itself in a predicament.'

Regional and Strategic Stakes

The Bab al-Mandab Strait — through which an estimated 10–15% of global seaborne trade passes — has been a flashpoint since the Houthis began targeting commercial shipping in late 2023, citing solidarity with Gaza. Kuwait's intervention underscores the Gulf Cooperation Council's collective interest in keeping these lanes open. This is not the first time Gulf states have rallied behind Riyadh against Houthi maritime actions; the pattern reflects a deepening alignment among Arab states wary of Iranian-backed disruption to regional trade arteries.

What Comes Next

With both sides issuing escalatory statements and no ceasefire framework currently active, the risk of further strikes on airport infrastructure and commercial shipping remains elevated. The international community's ability to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 2722 will be closely watched as a gauge of multilateral resolve in the coming days.