Hyderabad, July 20 -- Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement on Monday, July 20, announced an immediate maritime ban on Saudi Arabia, describing the measure as retaliation for what it called Riyadh's long-running blockade of Yemen.

In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the embargo had taken effect immediately under a "siege for siege" principle.

The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of imposing restrictions on Yemen's ports and airports by land, sea and air for nearly 12 years, alleging that the measures had worsened the country's humanitarian crisis and depleted its resources.

Saree warned that any further Saudi military escalation would be met with a "comprehensive and harsh" response, adding that Houthi for...