Houthis join Iran, launch attacks on US and Israel amid West Asia conflict

TEHRAN: The Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched attacks against the United States and Israel, aligning themselves with Iran in the ongoing West Asian conflict. This raises concerns that the war, which has been continuing for a month, could spread to more regions. The Houthis carried out a ballistic missile attack on Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military said the missile was intercepted.

There are also fears that the Houthis could begin attacks on cargo ships at any time. The tension in the Strait of Hormuz may now extend to the Red Sea.

Reports suggest that the Houthis may attempt to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which lies between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. There is also a possibility of attacks on the Suez Canal, which could severely impact the global economy.

Massive attacks in the Gulf

• After Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran intensified its attacks on Gulf countries.
• A missile attack targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring 12 American soldiers.
• Drones aimed at Riyadh were intercepted.
• A drone attack at Kuwait International Airport damaged radar systems; no casualties were reported.
• A missile strike in the Mamir Industrial Area in Bahrain caused a fire.
• In central Israel, an Iranian attack killed one person and injured several others.

Indian nationals injured
Five Indian nationals and one Pakistani citizen were injured after debris from an Iranian missile fell near the Khalifa Economic Zone in Abu Dhabi, damaging an air defense system. In another incident, a drone attack at the Salalah port injured a foreign worker. The nationality of the worker is not yet known. A US military support vessel near the port was also targeted in the attack.