Houthis issue warning over potential Israeli military presence in Somalia

ADEN, Yemen — A member of Yemen’s Houthi political office, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, has warned that the group would target any Israeli military or intelligence presence in Somalia and other areas near Yemen’s borders, Iranian media outlet Tasnim reported Wednesday.

Al-Bukhaiti’s remarks come amid heightened military tensions in the Red Sea and around the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

The threat follows a series of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in recent days. On Tuesday, an attack on a cargo vessel transiting Bab al-Mandab reportedly killed six people, including four crew members and two Yemenis involved in rescue efforts.

The Houthis said the vessel was carrying military equipment bound for Saudi Arabia, although the claim could not be independently verified. The attack also injured 10 people and heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the waterway.

Al-Bukhaiti’s comments reinforce previous Houthi warnings over an alleged Israeli presence in Somaliland, which the group says poses a threat to Yemen and Red Sea security. The Bab al-Mandab is a vital artery for international trade, and increased attacks and threats have raised concerns over shipping and commercial traffic in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE