US-Israel War on Iran Raises Tensions with Houthi Militants

Yemen’s Houthi rebels issue warning over potential military intervention

The Houthi rebel group, aligned with Iran, has stated that they are prepared to intervene militarily if other countries join the United States and Israel in their conflict against Iran. In a televised speech on Friday, Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, confirmed that the Houthis have “fingers on the trigger” for direct military action.

Saree warned that the Houthis would take action if any new alliances form between Washington and Israel against Iran and its allies, or if the Red Sea is used to launch attacks on their ally. The warning raises concerns about a potential broader regional conflict, particularly given the Houthis’ ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen.

The group has controlled Sanaa and much of northwest Yemen since 2014. In recent months, they have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and carried out drone and missile attacks against Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The United States and Israel have also launched strikes on Yemen, targeting civilian infrastructure and killing dozens.

A truce between the Houthis and the US was agreed upon in May, which included a Houthi agreement to stop attacks on US shipping in the Red Sea. However, Saree warned against any further tightening of what he described as “the blockade on Yemen”. He called for an immediate halt to US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and other countries.

The Houthis have also stated that they will not allow the Red Sea to be used to carry out hostile operations against Iran or any Muslim country.

Source: Al Jazeera