Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated their military operations, claiming a joint strike on Israel and multiple attacks on international vessels. These bold moves have sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry and heightened tensions in the region.
Houthi rebels strike target in Israel
On Tuesday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group, in collaboration with the Islamic resistance in Iraq, had launched a significant attack on a vital target in Haifa, Israel. According to Saree, they used “a number of winged missiles” in this operation, though he did not specify the exact target.
Houthis have hurt shipping trade
Moreover, the Iran-aligned group asserts it has conducted four separate military operations against ships in various strategic waterways. These attacks allegedly targeted vessels connected to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
Specifically, the Houthis claim to have struck:
- The MSC Unific, an Israeli ship, in the Arabian Sea
- The Delonix, a U.S. oil tanker, in the Red Sea
- The Anvil Point, a UK landing ship, in the Indian Ocean
- The Lucky Sailor in the Mediterranean Sea
Reuters have not yet independently verified these claims.
Shipping industry calls for action
The Houthis have been consistently launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November 2023. They justify these attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. As a result, commercial shipping has suffered severe disruptions.
Consequently, the shipping industry faces mounting challenges. Insurance industry sources warn that war risk premiums will continue to rise, potentially adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of each voyage. Furthermore, the sinking of a second ship will likely lead to even higher losses.
In response to these growing threats, Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, advises ships to divert their routes around southern Africa. He emphasizes that this longer route currently offers the best protection for seafarers.
The escalating situation has prompted urgent calls for action from the shipping industry. In a joint statement, the world’s top shipping associations declared, “These attacks must stop now. We call for states with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea.”
As the crisis unfolds, the international community faces increasing pressure to address the Houthi threat and secure vital shipping lanes. The ongoing attacks not only endanger maritime personnel but also threaten to disrupt global trade and increase costs for consumers worldwide.
The Houthi rebels’ aggressive actions have created a volatile situation in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will ensure the safety of seafarers and the stability of international commerce.
With inputs from Reuters
