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By Amira El-Fekki
Middle East News Reporter
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The Houthis have threatened to block or attack vessels transporting weapons from U.S. arms companies to Israel through the Red Sea or Indian Ocean, according to Seatrade Maritime News.
The threat comes amid rising tensions and intensified fighting in the Middle East, with the Houthis signaling an escalation in their efforts to disrupt shipments supporting the Israeli war in Gaza.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Houthi officials for comment.
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Why It Matters
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran, have launched hundreds of missile attacks on vessels, further escalating tensions in the region, disrupting a vital maritime route in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Following the collapse of a ceasefire this year, the group resumed threats and blockades, particularly targeting Israel and U.S. interests, with President Donald Trump ordering a military operation in Yemen to destroy the group.
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What To Know
A legal entity affiliated with the Houthis' military reportedly sent a warning to ship owners, operators, and managers about the risks to their vessels if they engage with U.S. companies sanctioned by the group, Seatrade Maritime News reported. The Houthis specifically warned against vessels carrying weapons from blacklisted aerospace and defense companies, according to the UK-based global shipping media platform.
Houti Sanctions
Last week, the Houthi affiliated Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) sanctioned 15 U.S. weapons manufacturing companied citing their arms supply to Israel with advanced weapons and equipment linked to war crimes in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The designated groups are seen as "enemies" and are subject to confrontation by force. "Sanctions may be imposed on companies involved in weapon shipments to the Zionist entity, including shipping companies, airlines, and ports, as well as energy sector companies, with potential exemptions for those opposing Trump and his administration's policies," HOCC said in an email to Newsweek.
The list included Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing, amid others major companies specializing in missile systems, military vehicles, satellite technology, and advanced electronics. These companies have previously been criticized by human rights organizations for their potential role in fueling the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen in.
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Starlink Terminals
Meanwhile, The Houthis' Ministry of Communications has ordered all citizens and legal entities to return Starlink terminals and equipment by May 1, 2025, warning of legal penalties and security raids to seize prohibited devices after the deadline, according to Saba News Agency. Yemen was among the first countries in the Middle East to have the service introduced by Elon Musk's company.
The U.S. has launched an extensive wave of airstrikes against the group's targets in Yemen prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers and Israeli territory. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said it intercepted several missiles launched from Yemen.
What People Are Saying
Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), in warning email, as quoted by Seatrade Maritime News: "The existence of any such relationship will expose your company and fleet to sanctions, and, in the event your company is listed on the sanctions list, its fleet will be prohibited from transiting the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the company's fleet will be subject to targeting wherever reachable by the Yemeni Armed Forces."
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on X: "We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region."
What Happens Next
Conflict escalation near in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East could lead to increased involvement from regional powers and a potentially devastating humanitarian impact in war-torn Yemen.
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