Houthis of Yemen Aiming at Every Ship Going to Israel

12th December 2023

In a recent development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Houthi rebels have issued a stark warning, threatening to target all ships headed to Israel. This alarming announcement comes as tensions escalate in the region, with the Red Sea becoming a focal point for maritime security concerns.

The Houthi rebels, who control large portions of Yemen, have long been engaged in a bitter conflict with the Yemeni government and its international allies. The group, officially known as Ansar Allah, has gained attention for its aggressive stance against perceived adversaries in the region.

The threat to target ships bound for Israel adds a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. The Houthi leadership, in a statement released on Monday, claimed that they would not hesitate to strike any vessel headed to Israeli ports, accusing Israel of supporting their enemies in the Yemeni conflict.

As tensions rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, particularly given the strategic importance of the Red Sea for global trade. Several vessels have already fallen victim to Houthi attacks in this vital maritime corridor.

Among the targeted ships, the most recent incident involved the MV Dolphin, a cargo vessel sailing in the Red Sea. The attack occurred on Tuesday, when Houthi rebels reportedly launched a missile, hitting the ship and causing significant damage. The MV Dolphin, owned by an international shipping company, was en route to Israel with a cargo of essential goods.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported among the crew, who managed to abandon ship before the missile struck. The vessel sustained severe damage, leading to concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region. This incident follows a pattern of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, with previous incidents involving both military and civilian vessels.

The international community, including the United Nations and maritime security organizations, has condemned these attacks, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea, with naval patrols and increased security measures being considered.

Israel, a key player in the region, has responded cautiously to the Houthi threat. The Israeli government has expressed concern over the safety of its maritime trade routes and is working with international partners to address the escalating situation. The threat also comes at a time when Israel is navigating its own diplomatic challenges in the Middle East.

The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency session to discuss the escalating tensions and the threat posed by the Houthi rebels. The international community is urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.

As the situation unfolds, the safety of maritime traffic in the Red Sea remains a top priority for global stakeholders. The Houthi threat to target ships headed to Israel adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, requiring a concerted international effort to find a peaceful resolution and ensure the safety of vital shipping routes.