Houthis threaten broader attacks on firms trading with Israeli ports

The Houthi movement in Yemen has announced it will target vessels operated by companies doing business with Israeli ports, regardless of the ships' nationality, in an escalation of its military campaign against Israel.

Speaking in a televised statement on July 27, a spokesperson for the group’s armed forces warned that any ship linked to Israeli trade would be attacked, even if its destination lay elsewhere, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Houthis said this marked the fourth phase of their operations in response to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

The group, which Iran backs, has since carried out a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, claiming solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“The Yemeni Armed Forces urge all countries to pressure the enemy to stop its aggression and lift the blockade on Gaza if they wish to avoid further escalation,” the spokesperson said.

In May, the United States reached a surprise understanding with the Houthis, agreeing to halt airstrikes in exchange for a cessation of attacks on international shipping.

However, Houthi officials later clarified that the deal did not include vessels linked to Israel.

By Aghakazim Guliyev