Yemen’s Houthi rebels have threatened to carry out attacks on commercial ships primarily linked to Israeli ports, irrespective of their country of origin.
The armed group has been targeting ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, in what it describes as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Its military spokesperson, Ameen Hayyan, said in a televised address that it was a new phase of the group’s ongoing campaign against the Zionist regime.
He said, “This phase includes targeting all ships belonging to any company that deals with the ports of the Israeli enemy, regardless of the nationality of that company, and in any location within the reach of our armed forces.”
Hayyan also urged countries to reduce ties with Tel Aviv and put additional pressure on it to lift the “blockade” of Gaza.
Reports said the Houthis, who are the main fighting group in Yemen, have attacked more than 100 vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, sinking four ships, seizing one, and killing at least eight sailors.
Earlier this month, the group seized and sank the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carriers Eternity C and Magic Seas.
Besides this, the group has also launched ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities, particularly those that are being used to launch airstrikes on Gaza.
In response, Israel has intensified its counter-strikes in Yemen, hitting critical Houthi-linked facilities, including port infrastructure, in a series of strikes on Monday.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “Yemen will be treated like Tehran. The Houthis will pay heavy prices for firing missiles at the State of Israel.”
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