New Delhi (India) March 29:Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen said they launched a missile toward Israel early Saturday, marking their first direct move into the US-Iran conflict. The attack signals a shift in the regional crisis, with Yemen-based forces now directly involved in what has become a protracted war.
The current crisis began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces struck Iran. The war is in its fourth week a nd shows no sign of slowing down.

Yemen Forces Back Iran

General Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, confirmed the strike. The rebels stated their operations will not stop until all aggression ceases - no matter how far it spreads.
Saree also said the houthis were ready to move if what he called the escalation against Iran and the "axis of resistance" kept going, but did not say how any action would look.
“The Yemeni armed forces, with support from God, have carried out their first military operation, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles, targeting sensitive military positions for the Israeli enemy,” said Saree.

He added, “The operations are in support of efforts from the Islamic Republic of Iran , and the resistance axis in Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine. The operation has achieved its objectives successfully.”
That could mean a wider regional war, mainly since the Houthis can hit places far outside Yemen and mess with shipping in the Arabian Peninsula. For now, it's clear they have already helped Hamas in Gaza back in October 2023.

Retaliation Continues Between Iran and Israel

Hostilities between Israel and Iran have grown sharp. Israeli forces recently hit nuclear-linked sites, like uranium processing and heavy water plants.
Israel struck Iranian facilities in retaliation, which pushed Tehran to promise backfire. Iran fired missiles and drones at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 10 U. S. Service members and damaging several refueling aircraft. Satellite images showing the damage have gone viral online.

Houthis Threaten Red Sea Shipping

Houthis have already hit Israel during the Gaza fighting and disrupted Red Sea shipping - routes carrying about $1 trillion in goods each year. Now, they have hinted at new moves: possibly targeting ships tied to Israel or even blocking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is already strained. Adding pressure there could cripple global trade flows. Experts say any new action would deepen economic consequences.