The armed organization based in Yemen pledged to target ships irrespective of their flag state.
The Houthi insurgents in Yemen have declared their intention to assault any commercial ships linked to Israeli ports, irrespective of where they are registered.
This armed faction has been striking vessels within the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a critical sea lane connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, framing these actions as a demonstration of support for Palestinians residing in Gaza.
Ameen Hayyan, the military spokesperson, announced this intensified action during a televised broadcast, characterizing it as a “new phase” in the group’s ongoing operation.
“This stage involves attacking all vessels owned by any corporation that conducts business with the ports of the Israeli adversary, without regard for the company’s nationality, and at any site accessible to our military forces,” he stated.
Hayyan additionally implored nations to break off relations with Israel and compel it to remove the “blockade” on Gaza.
As reported by Reuters, the Houthis have assaulted over 100 ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, resulting in four ships being sunk, one captured, and at least eight mariners killed. Earlier this month, the faction boarded and sank the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo vessels Eternity C and Magic Seas.
Furthermore, the Houthis have fired ballistic missiles towards Israeli urban centers, with the majority being successfully intercepted. In retaliation, Israel has escalated its aerial assaults in Yemen, striking targets associated with the Houthis and port facilities, which included a series of attacks on Monday.