Middle East Crisis Strait of Hormuz

Huthi: We do not want to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels do not aim to completely close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, as Iran has done with the Strait of Hormuz, a spokesman for the group told AFP.

Rather, the Houthis' ambitions are "limited to a naval blockade that only affects the Saudi side," said Mohammed Abdusalam, the group's spokesman and negotiator.

The Houthis have this week claimed responsibility for attacks on ships in the Red Sea, forcing the ships to turn back from Bab al-Mandeb. This has helped oil prices reach over $100 a barrel.

UN urges evacuation of 6,000 sailors in Hormuz

The UN is urging evacuation of around 6,000 sailors stuck in a "terrible crisis" in the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reports.

Hundreds of ships are currently stuck in the strait after Iran fired on several oil tankers this week. UN human rights chief Volker Turk is now urging nations, ship owners and other actors to ensure the safety of the sailors as soon as possible.

– Seafarers have been left on their ships without food, water, fuel, medical care, power or any way to communicate with their families, said Turkish spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo during a press conference.

Attacks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continue

Another Saudi ship has been attacked in the Red Sea, AFP reports. The ship is said to have suffered minor damage to the hull.

Meanwhile, media controlled by the Houthi rebels are reporting that Saudi Arabia has attacked the Houthi-controlled city of Hodeida in Yemen.

Witnesses in Hodeida have heard explosions near the port. According to a security source in Yemen, facilities belonging to the Houthi group have been hit in the attack. According to Houthi-controlled media, this concerns the telecom authority and the island of Kamaran.