Synopsis
The Houthi group in Yemen has resumed naval attacks on Israeli ships in the Arabian and Red Seas, citing support for Palestinians and a demand for aid access to Gaza. The group threatens further escalation if the blockade continues.Key Takeaways
- The Houthis are resuming attacks as a show of support for Palestinians.
- Israeli ships in multiple seas are now at risk.
- Houthi leader issued an ultimatum to Israel regarding aid access.
- Previous attacks targeted both naval and aerial assets linked to Israel.
- The group controls significant areas in northern Yemen.
Sanaa, March 12 (NationPress) The Houthi group in Yemen has declared the revival of attacks on Israeli ships across the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
In a statement broadcasted by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea confirmed that these operations are aimed at supporting the Palestinians and increasing pressure on Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Last Friday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi issued a four-day ultimatum to Israel, demanding the unrestricted passage of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave, threatening to resume naval assaults otherwise, as reported by Xinhua.
Previously, al-Houthi had cautioned about resuming strikes on both Israeli cities and vessels with Israeli ties in the Red Sea should Israel persist in its violations of the Gaza ceasefire.
The Houthis had conducted multiple drone and missile attacks against Israeli cities and commercial vessels in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinians between November 2023 and January 19, 2025, when the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was enacted.
Additionally, the group has targeted US aircraft carriers and naval vessels, promising to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if the US continues its military support to Israel.
The Houthi attacks had paused following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Nonetheless, the group now threatens to renew these operations if the blockade on Gaza is not lifted.
The Houthi group, which governs significant portions of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, has previously targeted vessels they allege are associated with Israel in the Red Sea as part of their support for Palestinians during the ongoing conflict against Hamas.
Throughout the conflict, Israel has conducted five strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen.
