It's not safe to go around the Cape anymore!

On the evening of the 14th local time, Yemeni ABD Al-malik ibn Marwan Al-houthi reiterated his support for the Palestinians in a televised speech and announced that he would take action to stop israeli-related shipping. He said the Houthis would not only stop the ships from passing through the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, but would also extend them further into the Indian Ocean, including through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This statement means that the Houthi armed forces will expand the scope of their operations, posing a new threat to international shipping.

The ABD Al-malik ibn Marwan of the Houthis, the group's armed commander, announced via cable channel that the group planned to expand its operations significantly to cover thousands of square miles of the vast Indian Ocean.

“We are firmly committed to effectively expanding our operations into areas and locations where the enemy can not be expected,” the commander said, adding that measures were being taken, prevent israeli-related ships from crossing the Indian Ocean and from sailing from South Africa to the Cape of Good Hope.

Houthi said it had begun preparations to expand the scope of its operations, showing its firm determination and strong strength.

Since the Houthis seized the GALAXY LEADER in November, the group has launched numerous attacks on passing ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, causing the world's top 10 shipping companies to steer clear of the Red Sea, around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. While detours add to the range and cost, shipping companies generally believe that they can ensure safe passage by avoiding the Red Sea.

However, the Houthis have now announced that they will expand their attacks into the Indian Ocean, which means shipping companies will face new risks even if they choose to circumvent the Cape of Good Hope. In the past few months, Houthi forces have attacked 73 ships and warships linked to Israel, the United States and Britain. In the past week, the United States and Britain launched 32 air strikes against Houthi targets on land and at sea.

This new operation by the Houthi armed forces has undoubtedly increased regional tensions and posed new challenges to the security of international shipping. Shipping companies and the international community need to pay close attention to the situation and take corresponding measures to ensure the safety of shipping.