Yemen’s Houthis announce resumption of attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping, citing rising tensions after Israeli strike on Iran.
Red Alert Issued for Shipping
Yemeni Houthis rebels announced on Saturday, February 28, 2026, their resumption of attacks on maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and on Israel, according to Associated Press, citing two high-ranking movement representatives. According to one of them, strikes could begin as early as “this evening.”
Rising Middle East Tensions
The threats come at a time of increasing tension in the Middle East following the Israeli attack on Iran. In recent days, Houthis have openly declared their support for Tehran. As part of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” – an informal alliance of Iran-backed groups – they consider the United States and Israel their main enemies. This axis includes groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Shia militias in Iraq.
According to media reports, Houthis have warned the US that any attack on Iran would be equivalent to war to which they are prepared. dw.com service writes, citing Yemeni conflict analyst Hisham Al-Omeisy, that rebels have been strengthening their ranks in recent weeks, moving fighters and rocket launchers, and deploying forces near the coast.
War-Torn Yemen
The war in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, claiming over 150,000 tragic victims. Although a fragile ceasefire has been in effect since 2022, the country remains de facto divided.
Ceasefire in Question?
Earlier, Houthis had suspended attacks on shipping in the Red Sea under an agreement with the US – Washington in turn limited its own strikes against the rebels. They also suspended shelling of Israel after the October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The movement, again recognized by the US as a terrorist organization in January 2024, regularly attacked Israel and commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea during nearly two years of war in Gaza, declaring solidarity with Palestinians.
