By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor
The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), have been embroiled in the Yemeni Civil War since 2014. Their stronghold lies in the capital city of Sana’a, which they captured in 2015.
Over the years, the Houthis have demonstrated their military capabilities, including missile and drone strikes. Their actions have drawn international attention, particularly when they target maritime assets.
Houthi Latest Missile Attack on Ship
The latest Houthi attack on commercial shipping in the Red Sea represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly affecting maritime security and international trade routes.
On March 7, 2024, Houthi rebels conducted a missile attack on the Liberian-owned, Barbados-flagged bulk carrier, the True Confidence, in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the deaths of at least three crew members and injuries to four others, with three in critical condition. This attack marks the first fatal assault by the Houthi rebels on commercial shipping, highlighting a dangerous expansion in the scope and impact of their maritime operations.
The Houthi attacks have not only resulted in loss of life and material damage but also pose a significant threat to the global economy. The Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea are vital conduits for international trade, with a significant portion of the world’s shipping traffic passing through these waters.
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Disruptions in these areas can lead to rerouting of ships, increased shipping costs, and delays in the delivery of goods, affecting global supply chains.
The Strategic Implications of Houthi Attacks on Global Trade and Regional Stability
The Houthi rebels claimed they deployed an impressive fleet of 37 drones with the intent to strike US Navy warships and a commercial vessel. However, the US Central Command countered this assertion, stating that the US had successfully thwarted the attack by shooting down 15 of the drones.
Moreover, the attacks raise concerns about the potential for wider regional escalation. The involvement of Iran in supporting the Houthis, as evidenced by the seizure of a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil destined for American energy firm Chevron, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. This shadow war in the Middle East’s waterways threatens not only regional stability but also international peace and security.
Furthermore, the Houthis’ maritime attacks are a part of asymmetric warfare tactics, which aim to disrupt the operations of more technologically advanced adversaries. The Houthis can project power beyond their land-based strongholds by targeting shipping routes and creating a sense of insecurity for international shipping, which is vital for global trade.
Interestingly, the Red Sea is a particularly strategic body of water, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, and is a critical route for oil, grain, and other commodities.
Amidst the chaos, the Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt played a crucial role in repelling the Houthi drones. The frigate’s crew successfully shot down four of the hostile drones in the Red Sea. This incident highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding maritime routes and countering asymmetric threats.
As tensions persist, naval forces must remain vigilant, collaborate, and employ advanced technologies to safeguard maritime interests and prevent further loss of life.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior contributor, researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books.
