Yemen announces ban on Israeli shipping in Red Sea

SANAA, Yemen (MNTV) – Yemen’s Houthi government has declared a complete ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, while also announcing a missile attack targeting sites inside Israel, further escalating tensions in already volatile regional waters.

In a statement issued by its armed forces, the group said Israeli-linked vessels would no longer be permitted to pass through the strategic waterway and warned that any movement associated with Israel would be treated as a legitimate military target following the announcement.

The declaration comes alongside claims from the group that it launched a missile barrage toward Israel, stating that the strikes were aimed at sensitive targets and had achieved their intended objectives. 

The Israeli military had earlier reported detecting a missile launch from Yemen and said air defense systems were activated in response.

The latest escalation raises concerns over renewed disruption in the Red Sea shipping corridor, a critical global trade route that has previously faced intermittent attacks during the wider regional conflict linked to the Israel-Gaza war.

The Houthis had previously targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, prompting major shipping companies to divert vessels around southern Africa, significantly increasing transit times and costs.

The group said its latest actions come amid continued regional hostilities involving Israel and allied forces, with tensions also affecting other key maritime routes in the broader Middle East.

The developments add to growing instability in regional waters, including the Strait of Hormuz, where geopolitical tensions have further heightened concerns over global energy and trade security.