Houthis Escalate Maritime Conflict Amid Israel-Gaza Tensions
The Houthi group in Yemen plans to target merchant ships linked to Israeli ports as part of its campaign against Israel. The Iran-backed rebels have intensified naval blockades and attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, impacting Red Sea trade routes. Over 100 vessels have been targeted recently.
- Country:
- Greece
The Houthi rebel group has declared its intention to target merchant ships associated with Israeli ports, marking a new phase in its operations against Israel. This move, announced late Sunday night, is a part of their ongoing campaign in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.
With alleged backing from Iran, the Houthis aim to disrupt shipping routes in the Red Sea, a crucial corridor where $1 trillion of goods is transported annually. They have warned that any company interacting with Israeli ports, regardless of nationality, is at risk of attack, reflecting their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Previously, attacks have hit Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned vessels, resulting in casualties. A brief ceasefire provided respite, but recent U.S. negotiations to halt airstrikes did not extend protections to entities potentially aligned with Israel. The Houthis' aggressive stance highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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