Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed to target American cargo ships in the Red Sea following a series of deadly US airstrikes on the country. In a televised address on Sunday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi warned that the rebels would respond to the US attacks with increased aggression.
The first US airstrikes under President Donald Trump’s administration killed at least 31 people and injured more than 100, according to Houthi officials. These strikes follow threats from the rebels to resume attacks on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, which had been paused since January due to a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
“America will now be subject to the embargo as long as it continues its aggression,” he stated
“We will confront escalation with escalation, and we will respond to the American enemy by targeting its aircraft carrier and warships and banning its ships. If the American aggression against our country continues, we will move to additional escalatory options.”
The Houthis had previously disrupted the crucial Red Sea shipping route during the Gaza war, a key maritime lane that carries approximately 12 percent of global shipping traffic.
As part of their defiance, al-Houthi called for a “million-strong” rally across areas controlled by the rebels on Monday, the anniversary of the Battle of Badr, a significant military victory in Islamic history. The leader urged citizens to participate in the rally in Sanaa and other rebel-held areas.