Houthis Prepare to Resume Red Sea Shipping Attacks as US-Iran Tensions Escalate
Sanaa, 28 February 2026
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are poised to restart their campaign against international shipping in the Red Sea, with senior officials indicating attacks could resume imminently. The group has significantly strengthened its missile capabilities and acquired advanced weaponry from Iran during the recent Gaza ceasefire pause. Houthi preparations include training special operational teams for maritime attacks and establishing a potential naval blockade of one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. This escalation threatens global trade routes and could impact fuel and goods prices across East Africa, as the Houthis position themselves for coordinated regional warfare alongside Iran against US and Israeli interests in the strategically vital Bab al Mandab Strait.
Imminent Threat to Global Shipping
Two senior Houthi officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed the Iranian-backed rebels have decided to resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and Israel in support of Iran [1]. One official indicated the group’s first attack could come as early as tonight, marking a dramatic escalation from their current pause in maritime operations [1]. The timing coincides with heightened US-Iran tensions, as Houthi leaders have publicly warned Washington against launching military aggression against Tehran, stating they are prepared to enter such a war [2].
Enhanced Military Capabilities
Intelligence sources reveal the Houthis have significantly strengthened their missile capabilities during the ceasefire period, acquiring weapons with multiple warheads and advanced drones from Iran in recent months [3]. A Yemeni security source stated on 26 February 2026 that the group is training special operational teams to carry out terrorist attacks in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, whilst also training operatives in Africa to target Israeli military movements [3]. Military preparations have intensified since October 2025, with the group conducting ground exercises in Ibb, Hodeidah, and Sanaa that simulate attacks against US and Israeli positions [3].
Strategic Naval Blockade Plans
The Houthis are expected to reimpose a naval blockade in the Red Sea upon instructions from Tehran, potentially disrupting one of the world’s most active shipping lanes [3]. According to Congressional Research Service data from 20 February 2026, Yemen sits along the strategic Bab al Mandab Strait, through which significant international shipping passes [4]. Although a Yemeni security source acknowledged that technically their missiles and weapons are not effective against US power, they noted that in practice they threaten the economy, trade, and international shipping [3]. The group previously launched numerous attacks on international shipping from October 2023 to December 2024, before pausing operations in early 2025 [4].
Regional Implications and Humanitarian Concerns
The potential resumption of attacks comes as Yemen remains deeply fractured from a civil war that has raged since 2015, with the UN reporting over 150,000 deaths in the conflict [2]. The Houthis currently control most of northwestern Yemen, including the capital Sana’a, whilst an uneasy truce has frozen conflict lines since 2022 [4]. Analysts warn that escalating regional tensions could provide cover for further abuses against Yemeni civilians, as the world’s attention focuses on broader Middle Eastern conflicts [2]. The group’s maritime capabilities pose enduring threats not only to international shipping but also to regional stability, with potential impacts on fuel and goods prices across East Africa as supply chains face renewed disruption [GPT].