Yemeni Forces Vow to Target Israel-Linked Ships amid Maritime Blockade

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced on Sunday that they would sustain attacks on ships linked to Israel in nearby waters, warning that attempts by Israeli-affiliated companies to evade sanctions through ownership transfers or reflagging would not alter their stance.

Spokesman of the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree emphasized that numerous shipping companies connected to Israel are attempting to bypass Yemen’s punitive measures by selling assets or changing registrations.

Saree warned that any entity dealing with these companies or vessels would be subject to punishment, prohibited from entering Yemeni-controlled waters.

He reiterated that the Yemeni forces’ response would not be affected by any change in ownership or flags of Israel-linked ships.

"Intelligence information confirms that many Israeli enemy shipping companies are working to sell their assets and transfer their maritime shipping and transport properties to other companies or register them under other names as a means of circumventing the punitive measures imposed by the Republic of Yemen on those ships and companies," Saree said.

The general further declared that Yemen's maritime blockade and targeting of Israel-affiliated vessels would persist until Israel ceases its aggressions against Gaza and Lebanon and lifts the siege on Gaza.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces continue to enforce the maritime blockade on the Israeli enemy and target all ships affiliated with, associated with, or heading towards it. This blockade will remain in place until the aggression stops, the blockade on Gaza is lifted, and the aggression on Lebanon ceases," Saree stated.

Since October 2023, the Yemeni armed forces have launched numerous missile strikes against Israeli targets, both on occupied territories and on Israeli-linked vessels.

The Israeli genocidal military campaign against Gaza, which began in October last year, has led to over 43,300 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children. Continuous air and artillery strikes have exacerbated humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, leaving the population in critical need of food, water, and medical supplies.