On 17 March 2025, protesters held a large Houthi-sponsored protest in Bani Harb (Hazm Al Udayn, Ibb) in solidarity with the Palestinian people, denouncing the US strikes in Yemen, and in support of Houthi actions against the 'Zionist enemy' in the context of the latest round of violence in Israel-Palestine. Houthi-affiliated political officials took part in the protest.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 17, 2025, a large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstration led by Houthi rebels occurred in the Ibb region of Yemen. The demonstration proceeded with content condemning US airstrikes on Yemen and supporting Houthi actions against Israel, with Houthi political officials participating. Classified as a peaceful demonstration, there appears to be no direct physical damage.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Continued Red Sea route risk: With Houthi rebels' expressed support for anti-Israel actions, threats of attacks on commercial vessels through the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are likely to persist
• Yemen inland logistics instability: Ibb region is a major city in central Yemen, and if anti-government demonstrations spread, negative impacts on inland transport routes and fuel supply chains are expected
• Energy transport route tensions: Houthis' continued anti-Western sentiment could indirectly affect the stability of Middle East energy export routes
• International shipping cost increase pressure: Continued instability in waters around Yemen acts as a factor increasing insurance premiums and detour shipping costs

3. Watch points

• Houthi maritime attack frequency: Need to track whether attacks or threats against commercial vessels occur in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the next 2-3 weeks
• US-Houthi conflict escalation: Monitoring required for potential formation of a vicious cycle between additional US response measures and Houthi retaliatory actions