Mohammed Abdullah in Sana’a, Yemen
The conflict in the Red Sea continues its relentless escalation as the Ansar Allah [Houthi] group persists in its attacks against commercial and military vessels, which they claim are affiliated with Israel, the US, and the UK, in what they say is support for Palestine.
This ongoing confrontation represents the largest naval battle in the region’s history, with US officials reporting at least 50 attacks carried out by the Houthis against ships off the coast of Yemen.
During a Congressional hearing on March 21, US Deputy Secretary of Defence, Celeste Wallander, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Since November 19, the Houthis have conducted at least 50 attacks against commercial shipping and naval vessels in and around the Red Sea, through which 15 per cent of all global trade flows using anti-ship ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, UAS, uncrewed surface vessels, and—in one instance—a helicopter-borne ship seizure.”
Houthi Leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi has vowed to expand the scope of attacks against Israeli-affiliated ships, pledging to prevent vessels linked to Israel from crossing from the Indian Ocean to the Cape of Good Hope.
In a recorded televised address on March 14, he emphasised the continuation and expansion of their operations, targeting ships across the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab, and the Arabian Sea in support of the Gaza resistance.
He added that the military operations have reached an unprecedented extent, including three in the Indian Ocean, noting that 73 ships have been targeted since the beginning of the operations.
According to him, 34 members of his group have been killed since the start of operations targeting ships linked to Israel.
Every Friday, the Houthi-controlled capital of Sana’a and several other Yemeni regions see mass demonstrations expressing solidarity with Gaza and endorsing the ongoing military naval operations against ships and military vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK.
The Houthi group’s Al-Masirah TV reported earlier this month widespread participation, with gatherings in over 130 locations in those territories, all focused on the Palestinian cause.
These demonstrations occur amid a large-scale community mobilisation and call for jihad against perceived adversaries, including Israel, the United States, and Britain. Houthis previously initiated a public mobilisation effort and established Popular Support Forces across various rural areas, prompted by American airstrikes in the Red Sea earlier this year.
The Houthis control most of northern Yemen, including Sana’a, Hodeidah, Ibb, Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Raymah, Hajjah, Saada, and Amran, as well as parts of Al-Jawf, Marib, Taiz, and Al-Dhalea, home to most of the population.
In March, a Houthi missile targeted a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the deaths of three crew members and prompting the remaining survivors to evacuate the ship. This incident marked the first lethal assault by the Houthis on maritime vessels. Additionally, in a separate incident last month, the Houthis attacked a cargo ship transporting fertiliser, named the Rubymar, causing it to sink after being adrift for several days.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh affirmed on February 22 that the Houthis possess a formidable arsenal, with ongoing strikes failing to undermine their military capabilities. “Houthis maintain a large arsenal. They are very capable. They have sophisticated weapons, and that’s because they continue to get them from Iran,” she said.
Houthis claim to possess a new hypersonic missile, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the Red Sea conflict, according to foreign media reports.
The US and UK have continued to conduct airstrikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled areas in northern Yemen since the beginning of the year.
New operation launched in the Red Sea
Responding to the rising threat, the European Union launched Operation Aspides on February 19, prioritising defensive measures to safeguard merchant vessels and enhance maritime surveillance.
In March, the Italian destroyer Caio Duilio shot down a Houthi missile and two drones, while a French destroyer’s helicopter destroyed a Houthi combat drone.
Additionally, Operation Aspides reports that German and French naval vessels intercepted three ballistic missiles and a seaborne drone in March.
The operation is bolstered by growing international support, including troop contributions from Finland and the deployment of the advanced Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp.
Photo: US Deputy Secretary of Defence, Celeste Wallander underscored the gravity of the situation, in the Red Sea. (Credit: Sgt. Jack Sanders/US DoD)
