Houthi Intend to Keep Attacking Israeli Vessels Despite Air Strikes

The Houthi stance towards attacking vessels in the Red Sea has not changed after the latest US led strikes according to the chief negotiator for the Houthi’s Mohammed Abdulsalam speaking with Reuters Monday.

• "We do not want escalation in the Red and Arabian Seas," Abdulsalam said. It was the United States and Britain that were militarizing the Red Sea with their warships, he added.
• "Our communication ... continues to clarify our position, and confirm that all commercial ships in the Red and Arabian Seas are safe, with the exception of Israeli ships or those heading to Israel, only and only," he said.
• "Our position comes from religious, moral and humanitarian principles ... as well as in response to the calls of the people of Palestine ... to support the oppressed in the Gaza Strip," Abdulsalam said.
• The comments available do not make reference to US and UK related ships despite air attacks coming from each nation.
• Houthi comments last week warned that US and British interests were "legitimate targets" after the first volley of air strikes.