Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen and are supported by Iran, have announced a complete ban on the entry of ships belonging to Israel into the Red Sea. The Houthis have said that they have the right to respond to US and Israeli actions and now Israeli ships will be considered military targets for them. In a statement issued on Monday, the Houthis said that every activity of the enemy will be targeted by our armed forces.
This announcement has come at a time when the US-Israel conflict related to Iran has reached its fourth month. The increasing tension in the region is also affecting the efforts for ceasefire and peace agreement. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. This route connects to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Amidst the increasing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, this route has become even more important for the supply of oil and other goods.
Israeli ships were targeted in 2023 also
According to the report, due to the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz has almost reached the point of closure. Due to this, many countries in the Middle East are having to look for alternative ways to deliver their products to the world markets. The Houthis first started attacks on ships belonging to Israel after the Gaza war started in October 2023.
Houthis said that this step has been taken in support of Palestinians. During that time, they targeted many ships which they considered to be associated with Israel. In many cases, due to mistaken identity, other ships also came under attack. After this, there was a huge decline in the movement of ships through this sea route.
Crisis continues on Bab-el-Mandeb
The Houthis have not been directly involved in the current US-Israel and Iran conflict, but they have warned several times that they could close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Experts say that if attacks increase again in this area, it could have a major impact on global trade and oil supply.
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