Red Sea at risk: Houthi warn of attacks on Israel-bound vessels
7:28 AM EST, December 10, 2023
The Yemeni Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has announced via their spokesman that from this declaration onwards, any ship sailing to Israel via the Red Sea will be under attack. US authorities have asked Israel not to retaliate to these attacks.
Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi movement in Yemen, put out a warning on Saturday applicable to all ships traversing the Red Sea towards Israel. In his statement, he conveyed that these ships are likely to be attacked if supplies are not sent to the Gaza Strip. The Houthi movement is known to be supported by Iran.
Rebels warn: the target is "all ships"
"If Gaza fails to receive the necessary food and medicines, all ships in the Red Sea headed for Israeli ports, irrespective of the flag they fly, will become a target for our armed forces" said Yahya Saree, the Houthi's spokesperson.
It was also stated by the Houthi movement that their ban on ships entering the Red and Arabian Seas encompasses all vessels bound for Israeli ports. This decision, they added, comes into effect immediately.
Rebels hijack the Galaxy leadership
The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, are targeting Israel and Israeli ships in the Red Sea with long-range rockets and drones. This is a counter-response to the actions of Israeli military forces against Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis have launched attacks on several ships with connections to Israel in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strait is a crucial route for a significant portion of the world's oil transport.
In mid-November, the Yemeni rebels seized control of the merchant ship Galaxy Leader, which was on route from Turkey to India with cargo. Even then, they had announced their intention to attack ships sailing under the Israeli flag and those affiliated with Israeli companies.
Israeli authorities have expressed their view that these ship attacks are an "Iranian act of terrorism" with serious implications for international maritime security.
On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities accused of providing substantial financial aid to the Houthi rebels.
