Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam told Al Jazeera the group's maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia is the first step in a 'blockade-for-blockade' operation. He accused Saudi Arabia of escalating military and economic pressure after an eight-year Yemen campaign and said Riyadh is attempting an economic blockade. On Masirah TV he alleged Saudi strikes on Hodeidah, Kamaran Island and Sanaa airport and warned any attack on Yemen would be met with retaliation, saying Saudi actions will have consequen

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Axios reports the U.S. and UK plan a high-level London meeting next week to discuss forming a potential international coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Timing and agenda are still being finalised; the U.S. defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are possible attendees. Washington aims to build on recent UK and French talks and is seeking allied contributions of minehunters, naval vessels and drones to secure the waterway. Several countries say they will only participate if fighting inside the strait has ceased and ground conditions are sufficiently secure for international maritime operations.