Late Friday, the British Maritime Trade Operations reported that a commercial vessel experienced an explosion 126 nautical miles east of the Yemeni coastal city of Aden.
Since last November, the Yemeni Houthi group has been carrying out drone and missile attacks on the waterway, claiming it as an act of solidarity with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.
In over 70 attacks, the group has sunk two ships, seized one, and killed at least three sailors.
Washington is leading an international naval coalition to “protect” maritime navigation in the strategic region, through which 12% of global trade passes. U.S. and British forces have been launching strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since January 12.
Since November 2023, the Houthi movement in Yemen has significantly intensified its attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks, carried out using drones and missiles, are purportedly in solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have a history of targeting ships, causing severe disruptions to international maritime trade.
The strategic importance of the Red Sea cannot be overstated, as it is a vital conduit for global trade, particularly oil. Approximately 12% of the world’s trade passes through this region, making it a critical artery for economic stability. The Houthi attacks have prompted some shipping companies to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing transit times and costs.
The United States, leading a multinational naval coalition under Operation Prosperity Guardian, has increased its military presence to safeguard this crucial passage. This coalition aims to ensure freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a pivotal chokepoint connecting the Arabian Sea with the Suez Canal.
Economically, the impact of these disruptions is profound. Shipping via the Red Sea has plummeted, with insurance premiums for transits skyrocketing and container shipping volumes drastically reduced. This situation has exacerbated the global supply chain issues already strained by other geopolitical events
