The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has threatened to block Israeli shipping in the Red Sea and says it has launched missile attacks against Israel, opening the door to a potentially wider regional conflict.
In a statement released Monday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced what he described as a partial naval blockade targeting Israeli vessels in the Red Sea. The move, he said, takes effect immediately.
The announcement comes as fighting between Israel and Iran intensifies following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, with both countries exchanging fresh strikes overnight.
Saree also claimed the group fired a salvo of missiles at Israel, saying the attacks were carried out in response to what he called aggression against Iran, Lebanon and the Palestinian people.
“We will meet escalation with escalation,” he warned.
The threat could add further pressure to global trade routes already strained by the conflict. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, linking Asia with Europe and North America through the Suez Canal.
The Houthis control large parts of Yemen’s coastline along the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic gateway at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Any disruption there could force vessels to take the much longer route around southern Africa, increasing shipping costs and transit times.
While many commercial shipping companies have already reduced operations in the area because of previous Houthi attacks, the latest warning raises concerns about a broader impact on international trade and energy markets.
The Houthis had largely remained on the sidelines since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, despite repeatedly signaling they could become involved.
Monday’s announcement suggests the group may now be taking a more active role in the conflict, potentially opening another front in an already volatile region.
