Mohammed Abdullah, Sana’a, Yemen
The Red Sea has become a focal point of heightened military activity between the Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), in northern Yemen, and a United States-led coalition. The Houthis began threatening attacks on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023 and have since expanded their targets to include all vessels traveling to Israeli ports.
Numbers behind the conflict:
Houthi attacks:
190 attacks launched by Houthis since November 2023, mostly unsuccessful (Pentagon, June 17)
2 ships sunk
18 ships damaged by missiles
1 successful hijacking (named Galaxy Leadership)
2 unsuccessful hijacking attempts
153 ships targeted (According to Houthi group, June 20)
Coalition response:
480 air and naval bombardments against Houthi sites since January 2024 (Houthi group, 6 June)
55 reported Houthi deaths and 78 injuries (Houthi group, 6 June)
12 drones, 1 drone boat, and 4 ballistic missiles were destroyed by EU Operation Aspides, which also protected 120 commercial ships since February (Operation Aspides, May 19).
Economic implications of Houthi attacks according to US Defense Intelligence Agency:
90% decline in container shipping through the Red Sea since December 2023.
Alternate shipping routes around Africa add about 11,000 nautical miles, 1-2 weeks of transit time, and approximately $1 million in fuel costs per voyage.
Insurance premiums for Red Sea transits have risen to 0.7-1.0% of a ship’s total value, compared to less than 0.1% prior to December 2023.
Humanitarian relief for Sudan and Yemen is delayed by weeks and costs aid organizations more due to longer routes around Africa.
Interests of at least 65 countries affected.
29 major energy and shipping companies have altered their routes to avoid Houthi attacks
Timeline of major events:
October 2023: Houthis threaten to intervene on behalf of Palestinians against Israel.
November 2023: Houthis announce attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
December 2023: Houthi attacks expand to all ships sailing to Israeli ports.
January 10, 2024: UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks and affirms freedom of navigation.
January 12, 2024: US, UK, and allies launch airstrikes against Houthis.
February 2024: US designation of Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group takes effect.
February 19, 2024: EU launches Operation Aspides in the Red Sea.
April 13, 2024: Houthis, in coordination with Iran, launch several drones at Israel amidst Iranian strikes against Israel.
June 2024: Houthis claim joint attacks with Iraq on Israeli targets.
Photo: The ‘Galaxy Leader’ is anchored off the Red Sea coast in Al-Hudaydah, Yemen, on May 12. The Houthis seized the vessel, owned by an Israeli entrepreneur, on November 19 and moved it to the shores of As-Salif.
(Credit: Mohammed Hamoud/AA)
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