ALBAWABA - In a bold move, Yemeni Houthis have declared hostilities against U.S. and U.K. naval forces, reserving safe passage for Russian and Chinese ships through the strategic Red Sea. The Houthi spokesperson criticizes the U.S. and U.K., attributing their ships' exclusion from one of the world's busiest trade routes to their involvement in Gaza operations.
The conflict escalates as Houthis intensify their opposition to U.S. naval activity, securing the Red Sea for unhindered movement of Russian and Chinese vessels. Meanwhile, American and British ships find themselves targeted by Houthi forces. The spokesperson, Muhammad al-Bukhaiti, condemns the U.S. and U.K. for their Gaza involvement, asserting that ships unrelated to Israel can operate safely in the region. Al-Bukhaiti contends, 'The recklessness of the U.S. and U.K. has backfired; their ships are now barred from using a critical global trade artery.'
Calling for a halt to aggression, al-Bukhaiti insists that the U.S. and U.K. must cease their actions in Yemen and Gaza to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies. He declares, 'Only then will we suspend our operations in the Red Sea immediately.'
In a social media release, the Houthis allege a successful operation against the Chem Ranger sea forces, resulting in direct hits with naval missiles. The U.S. acknowledges the attack, confirming the launch of two anti-ship ballistic missiles by the Houthis at a U.S.-owned tanker. The crew reports no injuries or damages.
As incidents unfold, the British maritime risk management firm Ambrey reports a separate occurrence involving a chemical tanker in the same region. China urges an end to ship harassment in the Red Sea, emphasizing the need to preserve global production and supply chains. Russia advocates a diplomatic resolution, calling for the cessation of U.S. attacks on the Houthis, emphasizing the importance of ending aggression against Yemen."
