Yemen’s Houthi militia announced on Friday it would expand its attacks on merchant ships in the Mediterranean. A spokesperson for the group told tens of thousands of supporters in the capital Sanaa (see video above) that from now on ships traveling in the Mediterranean en route to ports in Israel should also be attacked.
According to experts, the Houthis have missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers and could theoretically carry out their threat with them. The Houthi militia, allied with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, has for months attacked merchant ships sailing along the coast in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean.
Yemen is located on the world’s most important trade route
Yemen is located on one of the world’s most important trade routes, connecting Europe with Asia. The Houthis are also believed to have participated in the Iranian attack on Israel in mid-April with missiles and drones. However, the attack was largely repulsed by Israel and its allies.
The Houthis say they want to end the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. In the event of an offensive on the city of Rafah in the southern coastal strip, the Houthi spokesman announced that the attacks would be extended to all ships whose operators had business contacts with Israel.
So far, only ships traveling to or from Israel or owned by Israeli, British or American companies have been targeted.
EU mission to protect merchant shipping
Several Western states are involved in operations to counter Houthi attacks. A few weeks ago, the EU also launched a military operation to protect merchant shipping in the Red Sea. Airstrikes by the US and Britain, backed by allies, aimed at limiting the Houthis’ capabilities have so far not had the desired effect.
Source: Krone
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