Houthis Claim: We Only Attack 'Israeli-Linked' Ships

The Houthis, supported by the Islamic Republic, who have challenged security in the Red Sea by attacking ships in recent months, claimed that following a ceasefire in Gaza, they will limit their attacks on commercial vessels to those 'linked to Israel.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that the military capability of Iran's proxy groups, including the Houthis of Yemen, has been severely weakened following attacks by Israel. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 of last year, the Houthis, in line with other proxy groups of the Iranian government in the region, began their missile and drone attacks on Israel. In response to these attacks, Israel targeted the positions of this group in Yemen. Netanyahu has promised that attacks against the Houthis will continue with determination and strength, and Israeli Katz, the Minister of Defense, also described this as a clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis. The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, a liaison organization between the Houthis and commercial shipping companies, claimed in an email sent on Sunday, January 30, to news agencies that it would stop 'sanctions' against ships flying the flags of the United States or Britain and vessels belonging to American or British individuals or entities. The Houthis of Yemen threatened that if there is 'any aggression by the United States or Britain against the Republic of Yemen, sanctions against the aggressor will be resumed.' In addition to direct attacks on Israel, the Houthis have repeatedly targeted ships transiting the Red Sea. In response to these attacks, the United States formed a coalition of 20 countries to target the positions of this Iran-backed group multiple times. The disruption caused by the Houthi maritime attacks has led many of the world's largest shipping companies to halt their vessels' transit in the Red Sea to avoid these attacks and turn to maritime routes south of Africa. The Houthis of Yemen have conducted over a hundred attacks on ships in the past 14 months, sinking two vessels, seizing one ship, and killing at least four sailors. The area south of the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Aden, connected by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is considered the site of the Houthi maritime attacks. Biden: The Iranian government is in its 'weakest position in decades.' The interception and destruction of two Houthi ballistic missiles by the Israeli army. The United States called for 'immediate and decisive action' against the Houthis and their supporters. Israeli attacks on Houthi positions; Katz: A clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.