Yemen's Houthi Movement Vows to Target Ships to Israel, Drawing International Condemnation
ICARO Media Group
In a recent statement, Yemen's Houthi movement has announced its intention to target all ships heading to Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality. The group's spokesperson issued a warning to international shipping companies, urging them to refrain from dealing with Israeli ports. These aggressive actions have raised concerns about maritime security and drawn condemnation from several nations.
The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen, has been escalating its attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. These vital sea lanes are used for transporting a significant portion of the world's oil. In addition to targeting ships, the group has also launched ballistic missiles and armed drones towards Israel.
Last week, there were reports of three commercial vessels being attacked in international waters, prompting the intervention of a US Navy destroyer. The Houthis claimed responsibility for this incident and justified their actions as a show of support for the Palestinians. In another incident last month, they seized an Israeli-linked cargo vessel named "Galaxy Leader" and warned of targeting all ships with ties to Israel.
The attacks have not gone unnoticed by the international community, with the United States and the United Kingdom condemning the Houthi movement's actions. Both countries have pointed fingers at Iran for supporting the Houthis, accusing them of orchestrating these acts of terrorism. Tehran, in turn, has denied any direct involvement, stating that their allies operate independently.
Israel has strongly condemned the attacks, characterizing them as "Iranian acts of terrorism" and expressing concerns about the implications for international maritime security. The targeting of ships bound for Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality, poses a significant risk and could disrupt trade routes in the strategically vital region.
As tensions continue to mount, there are fears of further escalation and potential repercussions for global trade. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Yemen, urging all parties to exercise restraint and find peaceful solutions to address their concerns.
The Houthi movement's threat to target ships heading to Israeli ports has drawn international condemnation, with calls for accountability and efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the region.