Houthis Target Haifa Port: Maritime Blockade Defies U.S. Truce

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced a “maritime blockade” on Israel’s Haifa port on Monday, May 19. The group warned all shipping companies that the port is now considered a military target. This escalation comes despite a recent ceasefire agreement with the United States.

The Houthis have continued launching missiles at Israel, including strikes targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. On May 14, they claimed a successful hypersonic ballistic missile strike that allegedly halted airport operations for an hour. This marked their third attack on the airport in less than 24 hours.

The maritime blockade follows a US-Houthi ceasefire agreement brokered by Oman on May 6. President Donald Trump declared the end of Operation Rough Rider, a massive bombing campaign that began on March 15. Trump claimed the Houthis had “surrendered,” stating they had pleaded, “please don’t bomb us anymore.”

Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam rejected Trump’s characterization. He insisted it was the US that “backed down” and emphasized the ceasefire only applied to commercial vessels, not attacks on Israel. The Houthis maintain their campaign against Israel will continue until “the aggression on Gaza ends.”

Houthis Target Haifa Port: Maritime Blockade Defies U.S. Truce

Operation Rough Rider, Trump’s largest Middle East military operation during his second term, faced significant challenges. US forces conducted over 1,100 airstrikes but struggled to achieve air superiority. The campaign cost approximately $1 billion and resulted in the loss of several drones and two fighter jets.

Casualty estimates vary widely. US and Yemeni sources suggest 500-600 Houthis were killed, while Houthi authorities reported 123 deaths and 247 wounded between March and April. The deadliest single US strike hit Ras Isa fuel terminal on April 17, killing at least 74 people.

U.S. Strikes on Yemen’s Oil Port Kill 38, Sever Houthi Financial Lifeline

Israel has launched retaliatory strikes against Yemen, including a May 6 attack that damaged Sanaa’s main airport. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Houthi leaders they could face “the same fate as Hamas leaders slain in Gaza” if missile attacks continue.

The Houthis have attacked over 190 ships since November 2023, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and killing at least four seafarers. They control significant portions of northwestern Yemen and remain committed to their campaign against Israel.