Yemen’s Houthi rebels have threatened to escalate their attacks by targeting merchant ships owned by any company doing business with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality.
In a statement late Sunday, the Iran-backed group announced the start of a “fourth phase” of their naval operations against Israel, declaring that such vessels will be targeted “in any location within the reach of our armed forces,” regardless of destination.
The Houthis have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on ships since late 2023 in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The campaign has disrupted trade through the Red Sea, a key global shipping route.
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Earlier this month, the Houthis attacked and sank two Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carriers — Magic Seas and Eternity C. Four crew members died in the Eternity C incident, and 11 others were captured. The group released a video Monday showing the captives.
The Houthis warned that unless Israel halts its war and lifts its Gaza blockade, attacks on vessels linked to Israeli trade will continue. From November 2023 to December 2024, over 100 ships were reportedly targeted.
Although the U.S. halted airstrikes against the Houthis in May under a deal aimed at stopping the attacks, the rebels said they will continue operations against ships they view as supporting Israel.