10-12-2023 (SANA) The Houthi movement in Yemen has declared its intention to target all ships en route to Israel, irrespective of their nationality. The Iran-aligned group issued a warning to all international shipping companies, cautioning them against engaging with Israeli ports. This move escalates tensions in the region amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.
The Houthis have previously seized and attacked several ships with Israeli connections in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical sea lane for global oil shipments. Additionally, they have launched ballistic missiles and armed drones towards Israel, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Israel has condemned these attacks, characterizing them as “Iranian acts of terrorism” that pose risks to international maritime security. A Houthi military spokesperson stated that all ships bound for Israeli ports in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea are prohibited. The spokesperson warned that if Gaza faces shortages of essential supplies, all ships headed to Israeli ports will be targeted by Houthi armed forces.
Recent incidents include the attack on three commercial vessels in international waters, leading to the intervention of a US Navy destroyer. Last month, the Houthis seized a British-owned cargo ship with ties to an Israeli company.
The “Axis of Resistance,” comprising groups aligned with Iran, has been targeting Israeli and US interests since October 7, following attacks by Hamas militants on Israel. The United States and Britain have condemned these attacks on shipping, attributing Iran’s support to the Houthi actions. Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to exercise restraint in responding to the attacks.
