Yemen Houthis Warn of Escalation, Threaten Sanctions on Israeli-Bound Ships

Houthi Spokesperson Yahya Sarea has announced afourth phaseof escalation in Yemen, threatening to impose sanctions on all ships associated with and heading to Israeli ports if the city of Rafah is invaded. The Houthi armed forces warned they will target all ships violating the decision banning Israeli navigation and heading to occupied Palestine in the Mediterranean Sea, within their reach.

Why this matters: The escalation of tensions in Yemen has significant implications for global shipping and trade, as well as the stability of the Middle East region. If the Houthis follow through on their threats, it could lead to a disruption in theglobal supply chain and further destabilize an already volatile region.

The implementation of this phase began immediately after Sarea's statement was made. Comprehensive sanctions will be imposed on all ships of companies related to supply and entry into occupied Palestinian ports if Israel launches an aggressive military operation on Rafah. "We are also following the offer presented to the resistance, in which the enemy wants the hostage card to be played without a permanent ceasefire," Sarea stated.

The Houthi group said it has been monitoring the developments in the Gaza Strip, including continued Israeli and American aggression, and preparations for an aggressive military operation targeting the Rafah area. The group claims it is responding to the calls of the resistance of the oppressed Palestinian people and the persistence of the Israeli and American enemies.

According to the Yemen Houthis, they have attacked 107 ships since November. On March 6, 2024, a cargo vessel was hit with an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, while transiting the Gulf of Aden.

"The Yemeni armed forces, with the help of God Almighty, and then with the support of the great Yemeni people, and all the free people of the nation, will not hesitate to prepare for wider and stronger stages of escalation until the aggression stops and the siege on the oppressed Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted," Sarea declared in his statement on May 4, 2024.

In related developments, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines noted that Iranian-backed militias have mostly stopped their attacks on US soldiers in the region, but it remains unclear how long this pause will last. Haines also pointed out that the Houthis began launching naval attacks almost every day starting last week, after announcing their intention to expand the scope of their operations to the Indian Ocean last month.

The Houthis' latest threats and escalation raise concerns about the stability of Yemen and the wider region. With the group vowing to prepare for "wider and stronger stages of escalation" until the "aggression stops" and the "siege on the oppressed Palestinian people" is lifted, the situation in Yemen appears poised for further fragmentation andinstabilityin the days ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea announces 4th phase of escalation in Yemen.
• Houthis threaten to impose sanctions on ships heading to Israeli ports if Rafah is invaded.
• This could disrupt global supply chain and destabilize the Middle East region.
• Houthis have attacked 107 ships since November, including a cargo vessel in March.
• Escalation raises concerns about Yemen's stability and the wider region's future.