Houthi threatens to attack any ships heading to Israel

On the evening of December 9 (local time), the Houthi forces in Yemen announced that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their flag, and warned all international shipping companies not to cooperate with Israeli ports.

"If Gaza does not receive the necessary food and medicine, all ships in the Red Sea moving towards Israeli ports will become targets of our armed forces, regardless of which country they belong to," the Houthi spokesman said, warning that the statement would take effect immediately.

A Houthi military helicopter flies over a cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released on November 20. (Photo: Reuters)

The Houthis are part of the Iran-led "Axis of Resistance" against Israel in the Middle East, of which Hamas and Hezbollah are members. Forces in this "Axis of Resistance" have attacked Israeli and US targets since October 7 after Hamas attacked Israel.

The Houthis control Yemen’s capital Sanaa, the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, and several provinces in northern and central Yemen. The Houthis have recently carried out attacks on Israeli ships in a show of solidarity with Gaza in the wake of Israel’s two-month-long war.

Last week, three commercial vessels were attacked in international waters, prompting a U.S. Navy destroyer to intervene. Earlier on November 19, the Houthis also seized a British-owned cargo ship linked to an Israeli company.

The US and UK have condemned the attacks on the cargo ships, blaming Iran for its role in supporting the Houthis. Tehran said its allies made the decision independently. Saudi Arabia called on the US to respond to the attacks with restraint.

The Houthi warning comes as the US is pushing for an international force to protect maritime security in the Red Sea.

International shipping companies predict that if the Houthi declaration is implemented, it could force Israeli ships to take more expensive alternative shipping routes, such as around South Africa, which could add up to 18 days to the journey of Israeli shipping vessels.

Hoa Vu (Source: Reuters)

Source: https://vtc.vn/houthi-de-doa-tan-cong-moi-tau-thuyen-di-toi-israel-ar839729.html