Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen backed by Iran, have declared their intention to continue attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea, a vital international trade route. This statement comes after the Houthis and the United States reached an agreement mediated by Oman. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire against the Houthis, who have been targeted by US attacks.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis are a Zaydi Shia political and militant group from the Yemeni region of Saada. They are named after Husayn al-Houthi, the founder of the movement. The group has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government since 2004.
Why is this relevant?
The Red Sea is a crucial maritime route for global commerce, with approximately 12% of the world’s trade passing through it. The Houthis’ threats to Israeli ships in this region have significant implications for international shipping and maritime security.
Details of the Agreement and Reactions
According to the agreement brokered by Oman, neither the US nor the Houthis will attack each other, including their respective ships, in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb strait off Yemen’s coast.
- US-Houthi Agreement: The agreement was announced by Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr al Busaidi, stating that neither side will attack the other’s ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb strait.
- Iran’s Response: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqei, praised the US ceasefire against Iran and lauded the “legendary resistance” of the Yemeni Houthis.
- Saudi Arabia’s Stance: Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement, stating that it should contribute to protecting international navigation and trade.
Houthi Attacks on Israeli Ships
Despite the agreement, Abdulmalik Alejri, a Houthi official, declared that international shipping routes are secure for all vessels except Israeli ships. He mentioned that Israeli ships have not been traversing the Red Sea for some time.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for numerous missile and drone attacks against Israel since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. They argue that these actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Their campaign has expanded to target ships they associate with Israel, particularly in the Red Sea, where around 12% of global trade passes through.
Following the bombing campaign initiated by Israel, which destroyed Yemen’s international airport in Sanaa and resulted in three deaths, the Houthis intensified their attacks on ships linked to Israel.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the agreement between the US and Houthis? The agreement, mediated by Oman, stipulates that neither the US nor the Houthis will attack each other’s ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb strait.
- Why are the Houthis targeting Israeli ships? The Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, targeting ships they associate with Israel in the Red Sea.
- How significant is the Red Sea for global trade? The Red Sea is a crucial maritime route, with approximately 12% of global trade passing through it.
