What’s happening:
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have ramped up their maritime threats, targeting shipping in the Red Sea with increased frequency and aggression. This surge in hostile activities has come in the wake of a pause in the fighting in Gaza, signaling a potential shift in the group’s tactics and posing a significant threat to international shipping and trade routes.
Why it matters:
The Houthi rebels’ persistent attacks on shipping lanes have severe implications for global trade, particularly as they threaten a vital waterway used for the transport of 10% of the world’s oil. Their actions have led to heightened security concerns, increased shipping costs, and escalated insurance premiums, affecting international commerce and maritime security.
Recent Houthi attacks:
Recent incidents include the missile attack on a cargo ship carrying fuel and the downing of a Houthi drone by a US warship. Additionally, speedboats have harassed commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping. These actions demonstrate the group’s intent to disrupt maritime traffic and, more specifically, to blockade Israel.
Notable Incidents:
In just the past two weeks, there have been multiple attacks involving Houthi forces, including:
- Four attacks on December 3 against three commercial ships, prompting the USS Carney to intervene.
- A missile fired at Eilat and a drone harassing a ship near Hodeidah on December 6.
- French warship Languedoc downing two Houthi drones on December 10.
- The Strinda attacked by an anti-ship missile on December 11, with the USS Mason responding to the distress call.
The bottom line:
The Houthis’ message is clear: they seek to challenge international shipping and assert their power in the region. The continuous threat they pose to maritime security is a pressing concern that requires international response and coordination, as their actions are not only enabled by Iran but also represent a broader challenge to the freedom of navigation in strategic waterways.
This story was first published on jpost.com.