The Houthi regime in Yemen has announced the start of a “fourth phase” of escalating attacks against shipping heading to Israeli ports.
The country’s military forces would attempt to hit any ship “within our range” that is bound for Israeli ports in the Mediterranean Sea, said spokesman Yahya Saree.
The Iran-backed group has launched dozens of missile and drone strikes against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November to show support for Palestinians in the Gaza War.
The European Union naval operation Aspides has logged nearly 150 incidents since 19 November.
Houthi attacks slowed in mid-April, with one week seeing no drone attacks. But they have resumed and continued at some of the highest levels seen since the start of the group’s campaign.
The Houthis last week launched one of its longest attacks more than 300 km from the Yemeni island of Socotra. A drone reportedly damaged the 14,900-teu container ship MSC Orion (built 2020).
Avoiding trouble
The attacks have contributed to ships rerouting away from the Red Sea and travelling west via the Cape of Good Hope, adding a fortnight to some voyage times.
While the Houthis have claimed attacks against the US, UK and other Western ships, Chinese and Russian-linked vessels have also been targeted.
Western officials say the Houthis could be using out-of-date information to plan their attacks.
The Houthi announcement came as Turkey said it would not resume trade with Israel until a permanent ceasefire took hold and humanitarian aid was sent to Gaza.
The move is likely to affect short-haul shipping between the two countries with trade worth about $7bn last year.
Israel was Turkey’s 13th biggest export market.
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