Houthis Join Conflict, Closing Red Sea and Attacking Israel

The Houthi armed forces in Yemen announced on Monday (8/6) a full prohibition on all Israeli shipping activities in the Red Sea. The Yemeni military stated that any movement associated with Israel is now considered a military target.

In an official statement, Houthi armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree said this measure was taken as part of efforts to confront what he described as aggression by the United States and Israel against the ‘axis of resistance’, which includes Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Saree also announced the launch of several missiles targeting strategic Israeli locations in Tel Aviv. According to him, these attacks were carried out in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Iran, and the Gaza Strip.

“The operation successfully reached its targets precisely,” Saree stated, as reported by Almayadeen.

The Houthi military emphasised the enforcement of a total sailing ban for Israel in the Red Sea, warning that any movement deemed linked to the enemy will be a military target from the moment the announcement was made.

The statement further asserted that any escalation would be met with a similar response. The Houthi military noted that its operations would continue to increase in scale in accordance with situational developments and coordination with groups within the axis of resistance.

The Houthi group stated they would not remain silent in the face of the blockade affecting the people of Yemen, Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq.

“They emphasised that all enemy efforts will fail and military operations will continue as long as attacks and blockades persist,” the statement read.

Previously, Israel launched attacks targeting the Dahiyeh area, or the southern outskirts of Beirut, on Monday. These strikes are seen as part of the rising tensions in the region. Following these developments, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory.