Houthi Rebels Threaten German Shipping Companies

German shipping firms reroute vessels to avoid Houthi threats linked to Israel-Gaza conflict.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have sent threatening emails to German shipping companies, targeting those visiting Israeli ports.
The emails were sent to specific contacts, indicating well-researched targeting by the Houthis.
The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have attacked nearly 200 commercial vessels since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023.
In response to the threats, many German shipping companies are rerouting their vessels around the southern tip of Africa, significantly increasing travel time and costs.
The Verband Deutscher Reeder (VDR) is in communication with security authorities regarding the threats but has not disclosed the total number of emails received.