In a dramatic turn of events, Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued a stern warning on Monday, asserting that Israeli ships are now deemed “legitimate targets.” This declaration comes in the aftermath of the Houthi seizure of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo vessel initially reported as Israel-linked but later identified as British-owned and Japanese-operated.
The rebels, aligning themselves with the “axis of resistance” formed by Iran’s allies and proxies, have recently launched drones and missiles towards Israel, further escalating regional tensions. Major General Ali Al-Moshki, a Houthi military official, boldly stated, “Israeli ships are legitimate targets for us anywhere, and we will not hesitate to take action.”
Analysts anticipate an increased threat to shipping around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial choke-point at the southern end of the Red Sea. The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader, owned by Britain’s Ray Car Carriers with ties to Israeli businessman Abraham “Rami” Ungar, was rerouted to the Yemeni port of Salif, raising concerns about the safety of maritime trade in the region.
The Houthi rebels attributed the ship’s capture to retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, sparked by a previous attack. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam declared, “This is only the beginning,” pledging further maritime attacks until Israel halts its Gaza campaign.
A released video purports to show the daring seizure, depicting masked armed men boarding the vessel from a helicopter while it was still in motion. The crew, consisting of individuals from various nations, is reportedly “under investigation” by the Houthi militants.
The international community, including the United States and Japan, has condemned the seizure as a flagrant violation of international law. Efforts are underway to secure the release of the vessel and its crew, with diplomatic channels actively engaged.
As the situation unfolds, the threat of disruption to shipping in the region looms large, prompting concerns about the potential economic impact and the need for heightened security measures. The Houthi rebels’ bold move has added a new layer of complexity to the already volatile geopolitical landscape.
By AFP
