X Suspends Houthi Spokesman’s Account as Iran-Backed Terror Group Escalates Red Sea Attacks

Social media platform X has suspended the account of Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi terror group, as the organization continues attacks on commercial shipping and targets in Saudi Arabia.

As of August 13, Saree’s account displays a notice stating that it was suspended for violating X’s rules. The specific violation that prompted the action has not been publicly disclosed. The account had approximately 121,500 followers before its suspension.

Platform Used to Announce Houthi Attacks

Saree regularly used X to publicize Houthi military operations, including attacks on vessels in the Red Sea as well as strikes directed against Saudi Arabia and forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

The suspension comes amid renewed Houthi activity around the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major route for international commerce.

Deadly Attack on Egyptian Cargo Ship

Yemen’s Transport Ministry said the Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at an Egyptian cargo ship passing through the strait on August 11. Four civilian crew members and two government troops were killed, while 10 others were wounded.

The attack added to international concerns over the threat posed by the Iran-backed group to civilian shipping and freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Houthis Boast of Saudi Strikes

On August 5, Saree announced that Houthi forces had fired multiple ballistic missiles at the Saudi tanker Wafah off the coast of Yanbu in the northern Red Sea. He claimed the vessel was successfully struck and described it as the eighth ship targeted since the group began its latest maritime blockade campaign on July 22.

Saree also claimed on August 9 that Houthi drones successfully struck a Saudi Aramco refining facility in Jazan, highlighting the growing threat the Iran-backed organization poses not only to shipping but also to energy infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.

Iran-Backed Pressure on Global Shipping

The Houthi campaign comes amid wider regional pressure on key maritime routes. Iran has moved to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while its Houthi allies threaten shipping through the Red Sea, raising concerns about energy supplies, international trade and upward pressure on global oil prices.

Pakistan has also condemned the Houthi attacks. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said three Pakistani nationals have been killed and another wounded in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.

“Pakistan strongly condemns Houthi attacks against non-combatant merchant vessels,” Dar said.

The escalating attacks demonstrate the wider security threat posed by Iran and its regional proxy network. Targeting civilian and commercial vessels threatens sailors of multiple nationalities and puts critical international shipping lanes at risk.