Yemen Monitor – Sana’a – Exclusive:
On Sunday, the Houthi group announced that it would target any ship affiliated with companies doing business with Israeli ports, regardless of the ship’s nationality. The move is part of what the group called the “fourth phase” of its operations against Israel.
In a televised statement, the group’s military spokesperson said that shipping companies that ignore their warnings will have their vessels attacked regardless of their destination.
The group declared that it had decided to escalate its military operations against Israel and begin implementing the fourth phase of the naval blockade. This phase includes targeting all vessels operated by any company engaged with Israeli ports, regardless of the company’s nationality and in any location reachable by Houthi forces.
Earlier this month, the Houthis sank two ships and killed sailors due to alleged links with Israel—ties which international organizations said were either weak or nonexistent.
The Houthis’ decision broadens the scope of targets and renders the Red Sea a hazardous area for navigation, driving up shipping and insurance costs. Moreover, the group’s emphasis on the phrase “regardless of nationality” suggests the potential targeting of US vessels, raising the risk of renewed U.S. airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas—similar to the previous campaign during the Trump administration, which lasted 52 days before a vague ceasefire agreement was reached between the two sides.
Following the latest attacks, security risk analysis firms reported that international naval forces in the southern Red Sea indicated this week they would not provide additional protection.
As a result, shipping operators are expected to classify any voyage through the Red Sea as “high-risk.”
Sources stated that war risk insurance premiums have surged to around 0.7% of a ship’s value, up from about 0.3% the week before the latest attacks. Some insurers have reportedly stopped covering certain voyages altogether.
