Houthis Announce Resumption of Naval Attacks After Deadline Expiry

The Yemeni Houthi group announced on Tuesday that they would resume naval attacks following the expiration of a deadline they had previously set.

 The group, which controls large parts of northern Yemen, has been targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming their actions are in response to Western and Israeli aggression in the region.

A spokesperson for the Houthis declared that their forces would escalate operations against ships they perceive as linked to their adversaries. "With the deadline now over, we will intensify our attacks on hostile maritime targets," the spokesperson said in a televised statement.

This development raises concerns over further disruptions to global trade routes, as previous Houthi attacks have forced some shipping companies to divert their vessels away from the Red Sea, increasing transit times and costs. 

The U.S. and its allies have condemned the group's actions, with Washington vowing to take necessary measures to protect international shipping.

The latest escalation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Yemen, where the conflict has devastated the country for nearly a decade. However, analysts warn that the Houthis' renewed attacks could complicate peace talks and provoke military responses from regional and international powers.

Authorities in the region have yet to issue an official response to the Houthis’ latest announcement, but security measures are expected to be tightened in key maritime corridors.