Yemeni Parliament Speaker Says Red Sea Navigation Safe Except for Vessels Linked to Saudi Arabia

What happened: The speaker of Yemen's parliament said maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb is entirely safe for all ships except vessels he described as linked to Saudi Arabia, which he said are targeted under a ‘‘siege-for-siege’’ equation. Attribution and quotes: The claim was reported by Farhikhtegan newspaper and attributed to the parliament speaker. Unverified or contested claims: He called the UN envoy’s report alleging a threat in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb “completely baseless.” He also held the UN and UN Security Council responsible for 12 years of what he called aggression and an unjust blockade against the Yemeni people and for failing in their humanitarian and moral duties.