Just Before the Next Stage: Houthis Prepare for a Deadly Step in the Red Sea | Report

The Houthis are threatening a new deadly step in the Red Sea, including sinking international ships. The escalation undermines the relative calm since 2022, and the Saudi-led coalition announced it will continue to protect shipping. Despite the threats, 39 ships passed through the Bab el-Mandeb on Tuesday.

The Iranian-backed militia in Yemen, the Houthis, continue to expand their campaign in the Red Sea, considering a new and deadly step against international ships. The escalation undermines the relative calm that has largely held since 2022, after years of war that claimed hundreds of thousands of casualties. The Saudi-led coalition announced it will continue to protect shipping, while the Houthis threaten 'siege for siege and total escalation for total escalation.' Despite the threats, 39 cargo ships passed through the strait on Tuesday, the highest number in over a week, but insurance costs have risen and shipping companies are assessing risks. Al-Zuba, a spokesperson for the Yemeni government, said the government is prepared for escalation and that exchanges of fire are recorded along front lines in northwestern Yemen. She called for an end to the conflict peacefully or 'the other way,' reflecting fears that the maritime campaign could turn into a broader war in Yemen with regional and economic consequences.