Yemen warns of “surprises” for Israeli, US forces in Red Sea

Senior Yemeni military commander Abed al-Thawr outlined the country’s plans for the next phase of the war, including measures in case of escalation, according to Iranian media.

“We will use our trump card—closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to American and Israeli vessels, as well as enforcing maritime and aerial blockades against Israel and the US,” he stated. 

Al-Thawr warned that if the US responds militarily to Yemen’s operations in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Resistance Axis, Yemeni forces will employ all available options.

He emphasised that “highlighting the need to end the war and restore peace” is a central objective in the conflict with Israel and the US, adding that “Yemeni armed forces will not allow the Red Sea to become a base for military operations against Iran and Hezbollah.”

The commander said Yemen will deploy new weapons in this stage of the conflict: “If Israel does not surrender and the international community fails to fulfil its obligations to stop crimes against the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, we have several courses of action for the next phase.”

Al-Thawr also cautioned that any country assisting US or Israeli ships will be considered complicit and targeted in Yemeni operations: “Our entry into the war is in support of Iran, which in recent years has supported Yemen in the war against the US and its allies, and this is our response to Iran’s support and its people.”

“The coming hours will bring major surprises. Yemeni armed forces are positioned to conduct special military operations that Israel does not anticipate, using both ballistic and cruise missiles with enhanced effectiveness—types of weapons that previously forced American forces to withdraw from the region,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Al-Thawr reiterated, “We will not allow US bases in our coastal countries to be used against Iran. Therefore, to protect Iran and neutralise enemy weaponry, we will undertake any necessary military action. The battlefield will reveal the results.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada