Houthi missile attacks on Israel raise fears of threats to Red Sea shipping lanes, impacting global trade and maritime security.
A missile attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen has heightened concerns that Tehran's allies may target Red Sea shipping lanes, reported the Korea Times.
The Houthis stated they launched missiles at Israeli military sites in southern Israel, marking their first strike since the Middle East war began a month ago. Israel's military confirmed it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.
The Houthis are part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' alongside Hezbollah and other militant groups. They control Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, where they have fought a Saudi-backed government since 2014.
Analysts warn that Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping could disrupt global trade, which is already strained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The rebels previously struck oil facilities in the Gulf during Yemen's civil war.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesman, stated they would not allow US or Israeli forces to use the Red Sea against Iran. 'Our fingers are on the trigger,' he declared.
Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group noted that attacks on vessels would destabilize maritime security beyond energy markets. Saudi Arabia has rerouted millions of barrels of crude daily through Bab el-Mandeb since Hormuz was closed.
The strait, only 32 kilometers wide, is vital for oil and container trade. Disruption forces ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, raising costs. About 12 percent of global trade, including oil, gas, and grain, passes through Suez.
The European Union, reliant on imported natural gas, faces added pressure as tankers carrying liquefied natural gas routinely transit the Red Sea. Previous Houthi attacks between 2023 and 2025 hit over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors.
US and Israeli air strikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen resulted in many casualties, including Cabinet members in Sanaa. President Donald Trump later halted US strikes after a deal in which the Houthis stopped attacking Red Sea shipping.
