Houthis Fire Missile at Israel in First Iran War Escalation

On Saturday, Israel's military detected and worked to intercept a missile launched from Yemen, marking the first time authorities have identified such an attack since the US-Israeli war with Iran began four weeks ago. The Iran-backed Houthi movement has signaled readiness to join the conflict, threatening to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil markets.

Historic Missile Launch

• Israel's military reported early Saturday that a missile was launched toward Israel from Yemen and efforts were underway to intercept it.
• This is the first identified missile launch from Yemen since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran four weeks ago.

Houthi Escalation Threats

• A Houthi official stated the group is prepared to join the war in support of Iran if the US and Israel escalate attacks.
• The Houthis have threatened to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint linking the Red Sea to global shipping lanes.

Strategic Chokepoints at Risk

• Iran has already closed the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas, causing chaos in global oil markets.
• The Bab al-Mandab Strait closure threat could further disrupt international trade routes.

Houthi Influence in Yemen

• The Houthis, a Shiite Islamist movement, seized control of Yemen's capital Sana'a in 2014.
• With sustained Iranian arms supplies, they have become Yemen's most cohesive military and political entity, controlling key areas including the Red Sea coastline.

Ongoing Red Sea Disruptions

• Since October 2023, the Houthis have attacked hundreds of Israeli targets in retaliation for Israel's actions in Gaza.
• They have also targeted ships linked to the US and UK, severely impeding global trade flows despite failed efforts to degrade their capabilities.

Reporting by Nadeen Ebrahim contributed to this article.