Yemen’s Houthi rebels issue formal warnings to 64 global shipowners

Posted on September 3, 2025   |  

Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued “pre-penalty” warnings to 64 global shipowners, accusing them of violating a self-declared blockade of Israeli ports.

The group declared these fleets banned from the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea, threatening attacks “wherever within reach.”

The move follows the sinking of two Greek-owned bulk carriers, Magic Seas and Eternity C, last month.

The Combined Maritime Task Force (CMT) now classifies the threat to Israel-linked ships as critical, with the overall risk to shipping deemed severe.

The Houthis have not disclosed the 64 shipowners’ names, but insurers warn that exposure could drive up coverage costs sharply.

Since November 2023, dozens of merchant ships have been attacked, with Human Rights Watch labeling these actions as war crimes.