Houthi warn vessels tied to Israeli arms suppliers face Red Sea bans, targeting risks across major routes.
The Houthis have issued a new warning to global shipowners, operators, and managers, threatening action against vessels linked to companies supplying weapons to Israel. In a communication from the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC), the group said dealings with any of 15 sanctioned aerospace and defence firms — including Boeing, Cobham, and Lockheed Martin — would expose companies and fleets to severe penalties.
Any business relationship, direct or through third parties, will be treated as a sanctions violation, leading to potential targeting by Yemeni Armed Forces and a ban from navigating the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.
Though Houthi activity had slowed since the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, tensions reignited after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, prompting Houthis to renew threats. The U.S. has also been named a target following American strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
The latest warning comes after a recent April 15 incident where a merchant vessel was pursued and fired upon in the region.
The Houthis claim the sanctions list reflects companies allegedly aiding Israel’s military actions against Palestinian civilians.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
