Major General Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi, Yemen’s Defense Minister, has warned that the country is prepared for prolonged naval confrontations, vowing to retaliate against any aggression while continuing operations against Israeli-linked vessels in support of the oppressed Palestinians under Israeli siege and genocide in Gaza.

Why it matters:

Yemen’s operations in support of Palestine in the Red Sea and beyond are directly challenging the U.S.'s and the U.K.'s military presence in the West Asian region, which are staunch supporters of the Israeli regime in its genocidal war on Gaza. The announcement signals a shift from sporadic strikes to a sustained campaign, with global trade routes caught in the crossfire.

 

The big picture:

The U.S. launched airstrikes against Yemen on Sunday after Sana’a warned it would target American warships in response to renewed Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Yemen had temporarily halted its pro-Palestinian strikes after a January ceasefire but resumed them as the Israeli regime did not lift its blockade on Gaza.

The U.S. and U.K. have escalated their aggressions against Yemen trying to protect Israeli-linked vessels.

 

What he’s saying:

“Yemen will not remain silent in the face of Zionist brutality, starvation, and siege [on Gaza],” Atifi declared, vowing escalation if Gaza’s blockade persists.

Key points:

  • Yemen is signaling a long-term military commitment to its Red Sea operations.
  • Sana’a is actively targeting U.S. and allied warships in response to intensified Western attacks.
  • Yemen maintains that its actions do not threaten international maritime traffic, but only Israeli-linked vessels.

 

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