On Thursday, Israel’s army said it stopped a missile that was launched from Yemen. The missile was intercepted after warning sirens were heard early in the morning across parts of Israel.
Later, the Huthi rebels from Yemen, who are supported by Iran, said they were behind the missile attack. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said it was a “special military operation” using a ballistic missile.
Since the war in Gaza started in October 2023, the Huthis have been targeting Israel and ships linked to it in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They say they are doing this to support the Palestinians.
In response, Israel has carried out airstrikes in Yemen, including one on Sunday in the city of Hodeida.
Recent Huthi Actions
This week, the Huthis claimed they sank two ships:
- One of them, Eternity C, was heading to Israel’s port of Eilat and was attacked on Monday.
- Another ship, Magic Seas, was sunk on Sunday because the owner had done business with Israel.
Saree warned that ships connected to Israel would continue to be targeted unless Israel ends the war in Gaza and lifts the blockade on the region.
Impact on Global Trade
Due to these attacks, many shipping companies are avoiding the Red Sea and taking a longer route around the southern tip of Africa. This is slowing down trade, as the Red Sea usually handles around 12% of the world’s shipping traffic.
This ongoing conflict between the Huthis and Israel is adding more tension to the already complex situation in the Middle East and is now affecting global trade routes.
