Yemenis took to the streets on Friday in the capital city of Sanaa and other areas under Houthi control to mark the 11th anniversary of Yemen's war and show support for Iran and Lebanon, with the Houthi group signaling that they may intervene militarily in the ongoing tensions in the region.
While thousands of Yemenis gathered at Seventy Square in the capital to voiced their support for Iran and Lebanon and condemn U.S. and Israeli attacks against the two countries, Houthi leaders said they were fully prepared to engage militarily in the regional tensions if needed.
"We would like to emphasize again that the invasion of Iran and Lebanon is an invasion of our whole nation. We will not remain neutral, nor will we offer empty and passive sympathy. We are ready to respond as part of the front resisting aggression. Our hands remain on the trigger. We are ready to respond to any situation based on the developments on the ground and leadership decisions," said Taha Al-Mutawakkil, a member of the Political Bureau of Ansar Allah (Houthis), in his public speech during the rally.
Analysts warn that if the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran persists, the Houthi group could once again target the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising the risk of another round of instability in the Red Sea, a vital global shipping corridor.
Combined with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, such a scenario could further strain global energy and food supply chains, analysts said.
"Once Yemen (the Houthis) decide to intervene militarily, the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait will become key leverage points. (The Houthis) will start attacks on Israeli targets and the U.S. military bases in the region. The international community should be serious about the war and its risks since its consequences would be far-reaching, affecting not just one side but the entire world," said Abdulrahman Al-Ahnumi, head of the Yemen General Corporation for Radio and Television.
On March 26, 2015, the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government after the Iran-backed Houthi group seized much of the north.
Yemenis rally to show support for ran, Lebanon, Houthi group signals military intervention
