India, Sept. 10 -- International trade and shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait remain safe and regular, according to a statement released on Thursday by Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam.

Key Context of the Statement

Defensive Posturing: In his statement on X, Abdul Salam emphasized that the Houthis "do not plan to take action against any neighboring country, Arab, Islamic or otherwise". He framed their sudden movements entirely as internal self-defence against Saudi-backed government forces.

The "Blockade" Caveat: While he reassured the world that trade is safe and proceeding normally, he explicitly tied the final end of their broader military operations to the lifting of blockades imposed on Yemen....