Cairo: Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels are poised to resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and Israeli targets, two senior Houthi officials revealed to news agencies on condition of anonymity.
The decision, made without an official leadership announcement, aims to demonstrate solidarity with Iran amid escalating regional tensions. One official warned that the first strikes could hit as early as tonight, targeting commercial vessels in the vital corridor and Israeli sites.
This reverses a fragile truce in the region. The Houthis suspended Red Sea attacks earlier in 2025 following a US-brokered deal with the Trump administration, which also halted American airstrikes on their Yemen strongholds.
Separately, the rebels paused assaults on Israel after an October 2025 ceasefire that quelled major Gaza fighting, part of broader de-escalation efforts under international pressure.
US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday have inflamed proxy dynamics across the Middle East, prompting the Houthis — long supplied with Iranian missiles and drones — to vow retaliation.
No official Houthi confirmation has emerged as of late February 28, 2026, but the rebels’ history of swift action lends credibility to the warnings.
The Red Sea route carries about 12% of world trade. Previous Houthi disruptions forced ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, inflating freight rates by up to 300% and delaying Asia-Europe supplies.
