Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi insurgents announced Sunday they will limit attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea to Israeli vessels, citing the Gaza ceasefire agreement. However, they warned that broader assaults could resume if the ceasefire fails to hold.
The Houthis, responsible for 134 maritime attacks over the past year, issued their statement via the “Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center” (HOCC), an agency they use to communicate with global shipping companies. Their operations have included ballistic missile strikes and explosive-laden remote-controlled boats. These actions have severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade.
Threats to Israeli Shipping and Global Commerce
The Houthi statement vowed to maintain a blockade on Israeli ships transiting the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and surrounding waters, claiming their actions reflect “humanitarian and moral responsibility” toward Palestinians. They also warned of potential escalation should Israel resume military operations in Gaza.
Houthi Supreme Leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi echoed this stance, stating his forces remain prepared to retaliate against Israel or its allies if they perceive a breach of the ceasefire. His speech underscored the Houthis’ alignment with other Iranian proxies in the region.
U.S. Policy and Possible Re-Designation as Terrorists
The Houthis’ maritime aggression has drawn renewed attention to U.S. policy. President Joe Biden lifted their Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation in 2021, a move criticized for emboldening the group. Since then, the Houthis have escalated attacks on international shipping and committed human rights abuses.
In response to the Houthis’ actions, a group of Republican senators introduced the Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act, which would restore the FTO designation. The legislation, led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), would freeze Houthi assets and criminalize material support for the group. Collins stated, “Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the Houthis have worked alongside other Iranian proxies to attack our ally Israel and destabilize the region.”
Maritime Industry’s Concerns
Shipping industry representatives remain skeptical of the Houthis’ claims of safe passage for non-Israeli vessels. Jakob P. Larsen, head of maritime security for BIMCO, warned the Houthis could resume broader attacks if President Donald Trump restores the FTO designation or enforces stricter measures against the group.
The Houthis’ ongoing threats and attacks in the Red Sea highlight the persistent instability in the region and the challenges facing global shipping and commerce.
