In two weeks, it will be the one-year anniversary of a major action in the Red Sea: the Houthis, a powerful group from Yemen, began blocking ships they suspect are linked to Israel and Western countries. This blockade has caused big disruptions to international shipping, especially in waters around Yemen, and it shows no sign of slowing down. The Houthis have even started raising funds to support their campaign against Israel and its allies.
Here’s how they’re doing it: The Houthis are asking people in Yemen to donate money through a viral social media campaign. The ads are straightforward: “Donate just 100 Yemeni rials (about 40 cents) and help fire a missile!” Some of the ads even make it sound like you could be a part of the action by saying, “Call 180, launch your rocket or drone, and hit Israeli enemy ships!” The ads are designed to make people feel like they can contribute directly to the missile attacks.
One of the ads shows an image of a missile with a fuse connected to a phone, as if launching a missile is as easy as making a call. Another ad shows a hand placing a small coin into a missile, suggesting that even a tiny donation can help. They’re making it seem like every Yemeni citizen has the chance to be part of their mission against Israel.
Despite facing heavy sanctions and being blocked from many international markets, the Houthis have managed to make their voice heard through social media. They’ve produced high-quality music videos mocking their enemies, and they’ve even released footage taken from the deck of a ship they hijacked last year. This hijacking was part of their ongoing efforts to target Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea.
In addition to fundraising through social media, the Houthis have reportedly been earning millions through a system of “tolls” from shipping companies. These companies are paying the Houthis to avoid having their ships attacked while sailing through the Red Sea. It’s estimated that the Houthis could be making as much as $180 million a month through this toll system.
Meanwhile, the US and the UK have tried to stop the Houthis’ actions. They’ve launched airstrikes and sent warships to patrol the area. But so far, these efforts haven’t been successful. The Houthis have only stepped up their attacks, using advanced drones and missiles to target ships and even hitting Israeli warships at times.
The Houthis claim that their attacks don’t target regular commercial shipping unless it’s connected to Israel or other countries involved in the war against Yemen. But despite this, many global shipping companies have stopped using the Red Sea route, saying it’s too risky and expensive because of the constant threat from the Houthis.
The situation has created a tense stand-off in the Red Sea. As the Houthis continue their campaign, the international community watches closely to see how it will affect global trade and whether any side will gain the upper hand in this complex conflict.
