Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia, issued a statement on January 25 threatening Israel and calling for supporters to prepare for a comprehensive war in support of Iran. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels signaled readiness to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The threats come as the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln moves toward the region, amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Kataib Hezbollah’s statement, signed by Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, warns of a "total war" if Iran is targeted, while the Houthis released a video hinting at renewed attacks on maritime traffic.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Militias
Kataib Hezbollah is one of Iraq’s most extreme Iran-backed militias, closely aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group has previously attacked U.S. and Israeli targets, including a 2024 drone strike in Jordan that killed three Americans. The Houthis, based in Yemen, have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea, claiming their actions pressure Israel over its war in Gaza.
Regional Tensions and U.S. Response
The threats coincide with the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings of military action against Iran over its crackdown on protests. Israel’s military has stated it is prepared for any scenario amid the escalating tensions.
Previous Conflicts and Alliances
Both Kataib Hezbollah and the Houthis refrained from direct involvement in Israel’s June 2024 war on Iran, which saw U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Their recent threats suggest a shift in posture, potentially in response to Iran’s perceived vulnerabilities.
Opposing Perspectives
While the militias frame their actions as defensive, U.S. and Israeli officials view them as destabilizing. The U.S. has historically targeted Iranian-backed groups, including the 2020 drone strike that killed Kataib Hezbollah’s leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, alongside IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani.
The Houthis have previously halted attacks under ceasefire agreements but have warned of resuming operations if conditions warrant. The latest threats raise concerns about further escalation in an already volatile region.