Yemen's Houthis threaten to join war if US, Israel keep striking Iran

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - For the first time since the start of the Middle East war, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis warned on Friday that they could enter the conflict if US-Israeli strikes continue to target their ally Iran or if additional countries become involved.

“We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention,” the Houthis said in a statement, cautioning that they would act if new parties join the US-Israeli campaign or if the Red Sea is used for what they described as “hostile operations.”

The Iran-backed group has previously attacked shipping in the Red Sea during regional crises, but it has not yet intervened in the current war.

Formally known as the Ansarullah Movement, the Houthis are a central part of the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance.” They control large swathes of territory in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

Military spokesperson Yahya Saree reiterated the warning in a televised address, saying the group was ready to intervene if new alliances line up with Washington and Israel against Iran and its allies.

He added that the Houthis would not allow the Red Sea to be used to launch operations against Iran or any Muslim country.

Following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas, the Houthis began targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, saying the actions were in support of Palestinians.

They also launched attacks against Israel under the pretext of supporting Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel also frequently struck Houthi targets in Yemen.

The United States intensified its attacks against the Yemeni group last year. However, US President Donald Trump later ended the offensive after the Houthis agreed to stop attacking US ships in the Red Sea.