Are Yemen's Houthis Set to Target All Foreign Ships Linked to Israel?
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Synopsis
In a bold declaration, Yemen's Houthi group has announced plans to target all foreign ships tied to Israel as a direct response to Israel's blockade on Gaza. This aggressive stance raises significant geopolitical concerns and highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. Discover the implications of this escalation and what it means for international shipping and relations.
Key Takeaways
- The Houthis will target all foreign ships linked to Israel.
- This action is a retaliation against Israel's blockade on Gaza.
- The Houthis have previously sunk commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
- International shipping may face increased risks due to Houthi activities.
- Countries are urged to pressure Israel to end its military actions in Gaza.
Sanaa, July 28 (NationPress) The armed faction from Yemen known as the Houthi group has declared in a recent announcement that it will commence operations against all foreign vessels associated with Israel, stating that this will occur irrespective of their destination. This action is described as a response to what they term Israel's blockade and starvation efforts against Gaza.
According to Yahya Sarea, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, this escalation targets every ship operated by companies engaged with Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality and wherever they might be located, as long as they fall within the operational reach of the Houthis. This statement was broadcast on the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah TV.
“We caution all companies to halt their interactions with Israeli ports, effective immediately upon the release of this statement,” Sarea urged, also appealing to the international community to apply pressure on Israel to cease its military actions and lift the blockade on Gaza, if they aim to avert this escalation.
Earlier this month, the Houthis took responsibility for the sinking of two commercial ships—Magic Seas and Eternity C—in the Red Sea. In the year 2024 alone, they have been involved in the attack and sinking of four vessels. In 2023, the group captured the Galaxy Leader and held its crew captive, who were later released through mediation efforts from Oman, although the ship remains under Houthi control, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This Houthi faction, which governs a significant portion of northern Yemen, has been actively targeting Israeli interests and vessels connected to Israel in the Red Sea since November 2023. This is part of their solidarity efforts with the Palestinian cause and aims to exert pressure on Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the evolving situation in Yemen with a balanced lens. The Houthi declaration highlights the intricate web of regional conflicts and the humanitarian issues stemming from the blockade on Gaza. Understanding the perspective of the Houthis while considering the broader implications for international relations is vital in reporting on this sensitive subject.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Houthis to target foreign ships?
The Houthis' decision to target foreign ships is a retaliation against what they describe as Israel's blockade and starvation campaign against Gaza, aiming to exert pressure on Israel.
Which vessels have been attacked by the Houthis recently?
Recently, the Houthis claimed responsibility for sinking two commercial ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, and have been involved in the sinking of four vessels in 2024 alone.
What are the implications of this Houthi escalation?
This escalation raises significant concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea and could impact international shipping routes, prompting countries to reassess their naval operations in the region.
