Ongoing Houthi assaults in the Red Sea have severely disrupted global shipping, leading companies to reroute vessels on longer and costlier journeys around southern Africa.
Concerns are mounting that the conflict between Israel and militants could escalate, potentially destabilizing the broader Middle East.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's Houthi group, announced on Thursday their intention to attack ships affiliated with the supply or transportation of goods to Israel, irrespective of their destination. This declaration follows what he described as the fourth stage of escalation in response to "Israeli aggression on Rafah" in the southern Gaza Strip, reported Reuters.
"We are now contemplating the fifth and sixth stages, and we have significant, sensitive, and impactful options against our enemies," al-Houthi added.
The series of Houthi assaults in the Red Sea has disrupted maritime traffic, compelling companies to opt for longer and more costly routes around southern Africa. There is growing apprehension that the conflict between Israel and militants could expand, potentially unsettling the wider Middle East.
In response to the attacks on shipping, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets.