Riyadh: The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition has announced its commitment to protecting commercial vessels navigating the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, vowing to respond vigorously to any threats they encounter. Major General Turki Al-Malki, the official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, emphasized that all measures taken align with Customary International Humanitarian Law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These steps aim to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels in this strategic waterway. According to Saudi Press Agency, Major General Al-Malki addressed allegations surrounding the closure of Yemeni ports and airports, attributing these claims to Houthi misinformation and provocations against the Yemeni Government and neighboring states. He clarified that such narratives are false, citing that over 300 commercial vessels successfully entered the ports of Hodeida, Salif, and Ras Isa in the first half of 2026, carrying essential commodities, including foo dstuffs, goods, oil, and construction materials. The statement further accused the Houthi militia of being responsible for the closure of Sana'a International Airport and the destruction of the Yemenia Airways fleet, while rejecting initiatives to resume airport operations. The Coalition's Joint Forces Command has commenced the implementation of protection protocols for Coalition vessels transiting the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. The Coalition promises prompt and decisive action against Houthi threats to these vessels, categorizing such threats as violations of international law and acts of maritime piracy.