The Houthi movement in Yemen has completed preparations to launch attacks on vessels in the southern Red Sea, deploying missiles and drones near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to a report. The move follows radio warnings issued to ships earlier today, as The Zioneer reported.
Tonight, a new report indicates that the Houthi movement in Yemen has completed preparations to attack vessels in the southern Red Sea, deploying missiles and drones near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The report follows radio warnings that the Houthis began broadcasting to ships earlier today, as The Zioneer reported at 17:02 Jerusalem time.
The Zioneer has been tracking this developing threat for weeks. On July 16, the Houthis announced readiness to strike vessels, according to Reuters. Later that day, a separate report claimed they had deployed missiles and drones near the strait, awaiting orders from Iran. On July 17, a vessel was attacked near Bab el-Mandeb, reported by multiple sources. On July 8, assessments from a single source indicated possible operational activity in the area.
As The Zioneer reported on July 15, Iran is preparing to use its Houthi proxies to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, opening a new front. The IDF has also been preparing for a massive strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, per a June 8 report. The Houthis have previously attacked vessels in the strait, including incidents on June 15 and July 17.
The latest report is based on a single source and has not been independently corroborated. It remains unclear whether the deployment represents a new escalation or a restatement of earlier preparations, and the timing of any potential attack has not been specified.
3 developments
- DevelopingHouthis announce readiness to strike vessels near Bab el-Mandeb, Reuters reports
- DevelopingHouthis deploy missiles, drones near Bab el-Mandeb, await orders to block strait, new report says
- DevelopingAssessments: Houthis may conduct operational activity in Bab el-Mandeb area
- StrongHouthis attack vessel in Bab el-Mandeb strait
Source and signal
- Internal intake