Houthis declare their intention to target redirected vessels in the Indian Ocean

Yemen’s Houthi leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, announced plans to escalate operations against ships to prevent Israel-linked vessels from passing through the Indian Ocean towards the Cape of Good Hope. This move is aimed at blocking ships affiliated with the Israeli enemy from crossing key maritime routes like the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden. The Houthi group has been attacking ships in the region since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The Houthi attacks have caused disruptions in global shipping, leading to longer and more expensive voyages in southern Africa. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has also sparked unrest in other parts of the Middle East, with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group engaging in clashes with Israel and pro-Iranian Iraqi militias targeting bases hosting U.S. forces. The United States and Britain have responded by launching attacks on Houthi targets and designating the group as a terrorist organization.

The Houthi leader mentioned that around 34 of their members have been killed since the attacks began, showing the intensity of the conflict in the region. With the potential for further escalation and destabilization, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and taking actions to address the growing threats posed by the Houthi group’s maritime operations.

Source .