Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels have called Tehran's massive airstrike against Israel a "legitimate response" of the bombing of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month, which was allegedly carried out by Israel, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
"Crimes (of Israel) will not go unpunished," said Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel Salam in his post on the "X" social platform.
Houthi fighters are attacking ships in the Red Sea, claiming they are doing so in response to Israel's devastating offensive in the Gaza Strip. Because of the incessant attacks, major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe and using the much longer route via South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, DPA said.
The Houthis say they want to force Israel to stop shelling the Gaza Strip, which began after attacks in Israel by the Palestinian militant group "Hamas" in October last year.