The Saudi Okaz newspaper reported, citing Yemeni sources, that the Houthi militia had resorted to planting sea mines along the coastal strip of Yemen, especially those adjacent to the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Issa, for fear of a possible American attack.

According to the sources, there is a state of great alert and fear among the Houthi leaders who expect an American strike. It was revealed that the head of the coup political council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, cut short his visit to Hodeidah and returned to Sanaa after directives were issued by the parties supporting the militia on the need to exercise caution.

The sources reported that the Houthi militia planted high-explosive mines next to the hijacked ship, “Galaxy,” and connected it to remote detonation devices, and deployed cannons in the areas of Al-Kudaib and Al-Saleef, on Kamaran Island, and a number of sites in the north of the city of Hodeidah to confront any possible attack.

The American envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, hinted yesterday (Friday) about putting the Houthis back on terrorist lists, revealing in press statements that this is one of the options on the table in the face of attacks against ships in the Red Sea.

Lenderking said: “If we are able to reduce the escalation, such options will not be studied, and we can return to the priority of advancing peace efforts in Yemen,” warning that attacks on ships threaten the chance for peace.

The American envoy described the Houthi escalation in the Red Sea as risky and dangerous behavior, pointing out that targeting shipping represents a threat to the international economy.

He added: “We all want to avoid any military confrontation, but the Houthi targeting of ships is an indication of the expansion of the conflict, and we aim to calm it and avoid escalation, so that we can restore peace in Yemen in light of this opportunity to preserve peace efforts.”

He stressed his country's determination to end these attacks on ships that threaten the global economy, because this is not the correct way to deal with the challenges and problems in Gaza, which we acknowledge are huge, and must be dealt with.