Houthis open a new front in the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, with attacks on Israel and vows of continued action.
Yemen’s Houthis attacked Israel with missiles and drones on Saturday, one month after US and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28. The attacks represent the group’s first direct involvement in the conflict, which has already killed thousands and displaced millions.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, intercepted Israeli defenses but vowed to continue operations in support of allied groups in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. This escalation comes as Iran has blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil supplies.
Regional Escalation and Casualties
In Iran, at least five people died in a US-Israeli strike on a residential area in Zanjan, according to Iranian media. The Iranian Ministry of Health reported a total of 1,937 deaths since the conflict started, including 230 children, with strikes damaging over 93,000 civilian properties.
In Lebanon, Israeli attacks killed 1,189 people since March 2, including three journalists and nine paramedics in recent incidents. Hezbollah claimed multiple operations against Israeli forces in response.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that military operations against Iran could conclude within weeks, as new US Marines deploy to the region. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened retaliation against US and Israeli targets.
Pakistan is mediating talks, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urging an end to hostilities and announcing that Iran allowed 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This development aims to ease energy crises amid the conflict.
The war has disrupted key trade routes, including potential Houthi actions in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which could further impact global commerce as seen in previous Red Sea incidents.
