Houthis Announce New Phase of Naval Blockade

Yemeni Houthis have announced that they would target ships belonging to any company conducting business with Israeli ports, regardless of their country of origin.

According to a report by Reuters citing the Houthis’ statement, on Sunday, the group’s leadership declared their intention to “escalate” military operations by launching the fourth phase of their “naval blockade” against Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The militants have threatened to strike ships of companies from any country that do business with Israeli ports as soon as they enter the range of Houthi missiles and drones.

According to their statements, it poses a threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea – key global logistical ‘arteries’ for the delivery of international goods as well as oil and gas exports.

In their statement, the Houthis also called on “all companies to immediately cease any contacts with Israeli ports” and to pressure Israel to “end the aggression and lift the blockade of Gaza.”

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, began attacking ships in the Red Sea shortly after the outbreak of fighting in Gaza in October 2023. According to the Yemeni militant group, this campaign was aimed at supporting the Palestinians.

Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis carried out over 100 attacks targeting commercial vessels, disrupting international shipping and forcing companies to alter their routes. During this period, the group also sank two ships, captured another, and killed at least four sailors.

The Houthis suspended attacks in January following a brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In May, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, and since then, no ships have been attacked, although periodic missile strikes against Israel have continued.

The situation escalated when Israeli forces threatened strikes on three ports held by the Houthis in response to recent rocket launches at Israel. Additionally, in July, the Houthis sank two large commercial vessels.

On Sunday, July 6, the Liberian-flagged tanker Magic Seas was attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea. A group of half a dozen boats with militants approached the ship when it was approximately 94 km southwest of the Yemeni Hudaydah Port. The attack caused extensive damage to the vessel. A fire broke out on board, and the ship began taking on water through breaches in the hull. It soon sank.

A few days later, the Houthis attacked a second commercial vessel, Eternity C, using maritime drones, resulting in the deaths of at least four crew members and injuries to two others. Later, on July 9, the Houthis released photos from the abandoned ship as well as footage of its demolition and sinking.