Yemeni Rebels, Backing Iran, Ban Israeli Ships from Red Sea and Launch Missiles

(CNA, Sana'a, 8th, Combined Foreign Reports) Iran-backed Yemeni rebels, the Houthis, announced a missile attack on Israel and a ban on Israeli ships navigating the Red Sea today, casting a shadow of potentially severe disruption over this crucial waterway.

According to AFP, during Israel's war with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the Houthis harassed cargo ships in the Red Sea, forcing many shipping companies to change course to longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

This latest threat from the Houthis comes as the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to energy-exporting countries in the Persian Gulf, remains blocked by Iran amid a Middle East war launched by the US and Israel against Iran.

The Houthi armed forces issued a statement saying: "We announce a comprehensive and complete ban on Israeli navigation in the Red Sea."

"From the moment this statement is issued, we will consider all hostile actions as legitimate military targets for our armed forces," the statement added.

The Houthis joined the current Middle East war in March in support of Iran. However, since a fragile ceasefire agreement took effect on April 8, the Houthis had not announced any missile launches against Israel. (Editor: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150608