On 17 March 2025, protesters held a large Houthi-sponsored protest in Najd al Barash (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 Nazd al Barash, Ibb Governorate, Yemen. The demonstration was conducted to condemn US military airstrikes and support Houthi attacks on Israel, with participation from Houthi political officials. Currently classified as a peaceful demonstration with low-level direct physical threats.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Red Sea maritime shipping risk: Houthis' reaffirmation of support for attacks on Israel suggests continued possibility of attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea-Bab al Mandeb strait
• Energy supply instability: Concerns over crude oil and natural gas transportation routes if the consolidation of pro-Iranian forces within Yemen leads to heightened regional tensions in the Middle East
• Middle East logistics networks: Strengthened political mobilization capacity in Yemen's inland regions raises possibility of indirect impact on neighboring Saudi-UAE overland logistics networks in case of future large-scale demonstrations or instability

3. Watch points

• Houthi maritime attack frequency: Need to monitor over the next 2-4 weeks whether increased political cohesion translates into actual increase in Red Sea vessel attacks
• Middle East diplomatic tensions: Track the impact of US military operations against Yemen and Israel-Palestine conflict developments on the spread of anti-American demonstrations within Yemen