AL-MUKALLA: Houthi representatives declared on Sunday that Iran’s recent missile and drone strikes on Israel were justified under international law, describing the attacks as a legitimate act of defence. The Houthis also pledged to persist in their campaign of targeting ships in the Red Sea.
The statement, broadcast via their official news agency, applauded Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel following an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s Damascus consulate, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Revolutionary Guards leaders. The Houthi Foreign Ministry emphasized Iran’s right to defend itself and called upon foreign entities to cease their unwavering political, military, financial, and logistical support for Israel.
While media sources have linked Houthis in Yemen, to the recent attacks on Israel, the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for participating in Iran’s offensive against Israel or other Red Sea assaults since April 10.
Since November, the Houthis have launched numerous ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel and international commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim that these actions are intended to pressure Israel into lifting its blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Sultan Al-Sami’i, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, reiterated on Sunday the group’s commitment to targeting ships in the Red Sea until Israel ends its blockade of Gaza. Speaking from the seized Galaxy Leader ship off Yemen’s western Hodediah city, Al-Sami’i assured that the Red Sea remains safe for international trade except for vessels associated with Israel or its affiliates.
In response to Houthi ship attacks, the US, UK, and their allies have conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, Saada, Hodeida, and other areas under Houthi control. Despite these counteractions, the Houthis assert that their military capabilities remain intact, and they remain resolute in targeting ships in the Red Sea.
