Yemen’s Houthis Maintain Offensive Against Israeli Shipping Amid Rising Tensions
Yemen’s Houthis will persist in attacks on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. Their foreign minister, Jamal Amer, stated that U.S. pressure and Iranian appeals will not diminish their operations. The Houthis resumed attacks after Israel maintained a blockade on Gaza. Despite international warnings, they claim the right to defend themselves amid rising tensions.
Yemen’s Houthis have asserted their intention to persist in their offensive against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, undeterred by U.S. military pressure or entreaties from allies such as Iran. The foreign minister of the Yemeni militant group, Jamal Amer, conveyed this stance to Reuters following recent U.S. airstrikes in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen.
Amer stated unequivocally that there will be no reduction in their operations “before ending the aid blockade in Gaza,” asserting that Iran does not dictate their actions, although they receive occasional mediation. He emphasized that Yemen is effectively at war with the United States, thereby granting them the right to defend themselves by any means necessary and indicating that escalation is probable.
As tensions escalated, Iran’s concerns about its involvement in the conflict were highlighted, particularly following exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel since the onset of the Gaza war. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Iran would be held accountable for any attacks attributed to the Houthis, reflecting the perilous geopolitical landscape.
The Houthis resumed their operations aimed at Israeli vessels after an ultimatum regarding the aid blockade on Gaza was ignored. They had previously carried out over 100 strikes against shipping since late 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians, although these activities ceased temporarily during a Gaza ceasefire.
As hostilities intensified, the Houthis claimed to only target Israeli ships, positioning themselves defensively in response to increased U.S. military actions. They noted that European Union nations had advised against further escalation, which they acknowledged while maintaining their focus on Israeli vessels. The Houthi leadership remains cautious of foreign intervention, particularly from Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, expressing a willingness to avoid conflict as long as these states maintain neutrality.
In summary, the Houthis have declared their commitment to continue their offensive against Israeli shipping, regardless of U.S. military actions or pleas from Iran. Their stance emphasizes self-defense amid escalating tensions, acknowledging the complexities of the geopolitical landscape, including potential foreign intervention and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation remains precarious, suggesting that further escalation may be inevitable.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
