Breaking News | July 27, 2025
On the evening of July 27 (local time), Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthi movement, announced that the group will intensify its military support for Gaza and officially launch the fourth phase of its naval blockade.
This phase targets all ships operated by shipping companies that conduct business with Israeli ports—regardless of the vessel’s flag of registry or location within the Houthi’s operational range.
The statement warned:
“From the moment this statement is issued, all shipping companies must immediately cease operations with Israeli ports. Otherwise, their vessels—regardless of destination or current location—will be subject to missile and drone attacks by Yemeni armed forces.”
The Houthis reiterated that any maritime cooperation with Israel is now a red line. Failure to comply could lead to devastating consequences for commercial vessels globally.
The warning follows an intensification of attacks in July. Two separate incidents resulted in casualties and vessel losses within a single week.
On July 6, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a maritime security incident southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah. A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Magic Seas, was attacked approximately 51 nautical miles from the coast. The strike caused the vessel to catch fire and flood, forcing the crew to abandon ship.
Just three days later, on July 9, Houthis claimed responsibility for sinking the Liberia-flagged Eternity C, which was en route to Eilat, Israel. The attack reportedly involved six missiles and an unmanned speedboat.
Houthi leadership, including Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, vowed to continue enforcing the blockade, barring any vessel connected to Israel from transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, or Arabian Sea.
“No one will be allowed to transport goods related to Israel through these waters,” al-Houthi declared.
