Houthis declare total Red Sea shipping ban, target Israel with missiles

Yemen's Houthi rebels escalated maritime threats on Monday, declaring a total ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea and announcing a missile strike against Israel. The group stated the strike achieved its objectives with precision. The Israeli military confirmed identifying a missile launch from Yemen toward its territory, with air defense systems intercepting the threat.

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We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.

The Houthi armed forces announced the comprehensive embargo via Telegram, considering all Israeli movements in the Red Sea legitimate military targets. This action significantly elevates security concerns along the critical global trade route, which has already seen disruptions due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. International shipping firms had previously diverted vessels around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea.

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We consider all enemy movements to be legitimate military targets for our armed forces from the moment this statement is issued.

The latest threat coincides with heightened regional tensions, including a direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran on the same day. The Houthis, part of the Iran-aligned "Axis of Resistance," had previously refrained from projectile attacks against Israel since an April 8 ceasefire. The group controls significant parts of Yemen following a decade-long civil conflict.

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launched a missile barrage targeting sensitive Israeli enemy targets