"If the US participates in Israeli aggression and attacks against Iran, we will target their merchant and warships in the Red Sea," Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi movement in Yemen, declared on 21/6.
The Houthis are part of the "Axis of Resistance," a group of armed factions supported by Iran to counter US and Israeli influence in the Middle East. This warning followed US President Donald Trump's 19/6 statement that he would decide within two weeks whether to provide military support to Israel in its conflict with Iran.
US officials have not yet commented on the statement.
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Houthi missiles at a parade in Sanaa, Yemen, in 9/2023. Photo: AFP |
Houthi missiles at a parade in Sanaa, Yemen, in 9/2023. Photo: AFP
Since 10/2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks against commercial ships and warships in the Red Sea. The US and its allies have responded with intensive airstrikes to weaken the Yemeni group's military capabilities, but these have been ineffective.
The campaign has put significant pressure on US sailors, whose warships are constantly within range of Houthi fire, requiring constant vigilance.
Observers note that the Yemeni group has proven to be a "surprisingly formidable opponent," drawing the US Navy into fierce battles unlike any seen in decades.
While the Houthis have not yet hit a US warship, their attacks demonstrate a significant improvement in their ability to track moving targets. In January, Pentagon leaders believed Houthi missiles were capable of striking US warships and that it was "only a matter of time" before such an event occurred.
In early May, President Trump unexpectedly announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis. Under the terms, Washington would cease bombing Houthi positions, and the group would halt attacks on US warships in the Red Sea.
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Location of the Red Sea. Graphic: AFP |
Location of the Red Sea. Graphic: AFP
On 13/6, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3".
The Israeli-Iranian conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, with continuous exchanges of attacks. The fighting has so far resulted in over 400 deaths and 3,056 injuries in Iran, and 25 deaths and over 2,500 injuries in Israel.
Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
