Yemen – In a sharp escalation of maritime tensions, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared a new phase in their military campaign, vowing to target all commercial vessels trading with Israeli ports, regardless of their flag or nationality. The announcement marks the start of what the Houthis are calling the “fourth phase” of their naval blockade against Israel.
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What Happened
The Iran-backed Houthi militia, who have been carrying out maritime attacks since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023, announced that their campaign will now expand to include all ships linked to Israeli ports or companies doing business with Israel.
The rebels stated that the move is part of their continued military support for Palestinians and warned that attacks will persist unless Israel halts its actions in Gaza and lifts the blockade on Palestinian territories.
Earlier this month, Houthis carried out deadly attacks on two Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carriers, the Magic Seize and Eternity. The assault on the Eternity killed four crew members and led to 11 others being taken captive. Meanwhile, all 22 crew members aboard the Magic Seize were rescued before the ship sank.
Who Was Involved
The Houthi rebels, an armed militia group in Yemen, have aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause and framed their naval attacks as a gesture of solidarity with Gaza. Backed by Iran, the Houthis have intensified their strikes on international shipping routes in an effort to disrupt Israeli trade.
The United States and several Western nations have condemned the attacks, with the U.S. Embassy in Yemen labeling the capture of Eternity’s crew members as an act of “kidnapping.”
Background and Timeline
- October 2023: Houthis began targeting ships following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Nov 2023 – Dec 2024: More than 100 vessels were attacked in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea using drones and missiles.
- May 2024: A U.S.-brokered deal briefly reduced aerial strikes, but Houthis continued maritime attacks, clarifying that their agreement did not include halting operations against Israel-linked ships.
- July 2025: The Houthis officially announced the “fourth phase” of their blockade, significantly expanding their threat scope.
Public and International Reaction
The announcement has triggered widespread alarm among global maritime authorities. Shipping companies, insurers, and international naval forces are closely monitoring the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, both of which are critical for global trade routes.
- The U.S. expressed sharp disappointment at the renewed attacks, calling them reckless and dangerous.
- International shipping groups warned that the Houthis’ escalation poses an imminent risk to global supply chains.
- Humanitarian groups have also raised concerns about the safety of crew members, many of whom are being put at risk in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
The Houthis remain firm in their demands, insisting that they will not end attacks unless Israel halts military actions in Gaza and lifts the blockade. Meanwhile, global powers continue to debate increased naval patrols and possible joint interventions to secure trade routes.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential to cause further disruption to global commerce and escalate tensions in the already unstable Middle East.
Conclusion
The Houthis’ vow to attack all ships linked to Israeli ports signals a dangerous new stage in their maritime campaign, raising concerns for international shipping safety, regional stability, and global trade flows. As investigations continue and tensions rise, the world watches closely to see how Israel, the U.S., and other global actors will respond.
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