The Red Sea Attacks by Houthi Rebels Pose a Severe Threat to International Maritime Security, Regional Stability, and Humanitarian Efforts in the Region
The Red Sea is one of the most important shipping waterways in the world, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Illustration source: Wall Street Journal
Introduction
The Red Sea attacks by the Houthi rebels represent a serious threat to both international maritime security and regional stability. The Red Sea is critical to world trade, particularly for oil and other cargo transfers between Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. With their control over strategic maritime chokepoints, the Houthi rebels have demonstrated their capability to disrupt vital shipping lanes and threaten commercial vessels.
These attacks are not new. The Houthi insurgency, backed by Iran and originating in northern Yemen, has been a major geopolitical issue in the Middle East for years. The Houthis are a sizable clan originating from Yemen’s northwestern Saada province. They follow the branch of Shiism known as Zaydi. Approximately 35% of Yemen's population is Zaydi.
Likely maximum range of Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) from Houthi-controlled territory. Source: Ambrey Analytics
Wave of Attacks
The recent attack marks the fourth instance of the Houthis' assaults in the Red Sea, a vital route accommodating approximately 10% of global maritime traffic. Initially, from 2015 to 2016, following their control over the western Red Sea coast and acquisition of anti-ship missiles from the Yemeni army, the Houthis launched attacks on ships from coastal areas. Subsequently, from 2017, they escalated their use of water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIEDs). This tactic saw further intensification in 2020 and peaked in 2021.
The upsurge since October 2023 has targeted commercial vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, as well as undersea telecommunication lines. The Houthi rebels have cited that these attacks stand in solidarity with the Hamas fighters (an Iranian-backed group) fighting Israel in Gaza. These attacks have disrupted maritime traffic and raised concerns about the safety of the sixteen fiber optic cables, which account for 17 percent of all international internet data traffic, and run along the seabed of the Red Sea.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have further contributed to regional tensions, leading to a US-led naval coalition operating in the waters since December 2023, trying to counter the attacks. US forces have also conducted strikes on what they say are Houthi weapons sites in Yemen, including hitting truck-mounted antiship missiles. However, securing the region remains elusive amid the complex dynamics and competing interests involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Types of attacks
Houthi rebels have employed various tactics to target maritime traffic in the Red Sea, including missile strikes, naval mines, and remote-controlled explosive boats. These attacks have targeted both military and civilian vessels, resulting in casualties, property damage, and disruptions to maritime commerce. The Houthi rebels' ability to deploy sophisticated maritime weaponry underscores the seriousness of the threat they pose to regional maritime security.
‘Kamikaze’ drones used by Houthi forces to attack Coalition missile defence systems. Source: Conflict Armament Research
Impact on Shipping, Trade, and Communication
The Houthi rebels' maritime attacks have significant implications for shipping and trade in the Red Sea region and beyond. Disruptions to maritime traffic in key chokepoints such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait can lead to delays, increased insurance premiums, and rerouting of vessels, affecting global supply chains and economic activities. Moreover, the perception of insecurity in the region may deter investment in maritime infrastructure and commercial ventures, further hampering economic development.
The Houthi rebels have also faced accusations of severing numerous undersea communications cables in the Red Sea, leading to disruptions in approximately 25% of data traffic between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The significance of subsea infrastructure in today’s global economy cannot be overstated, as it holds a crucial role in facilitating international connectivity.
Naval Security and Escort Measures
The US-led Multinational Security Initiative force has put in place escort operations and naval security measures to address the threat presented by the maritime attacks of the Houthi rebels and safeguard trade in the Red Sea. The objectives of naval patrols, maritime surveillance, and the deployment of escort vessels are to protect commercial shipping, ward off threats, and guarantee the unhindered passage of marine traffic. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the attacks as a problem that "demands collective action," saying in a statement that "countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor."
Diplomatic and Conflict Resolution Efforts
Diplomatic initiatives, mediation efforts, and confidence-building measures aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue among conflicting parties are critical steps towards achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region. International diplomatic support and engagement are essential to advancing the peace process and addressing the underlying grievances fueling the conflict.
Humanitarian Implications
The humanitarian consequences of the Houthi rebels' maritime attacks cannot be overstated. The transportation of vital goods and humanitarian aid to people Yemen and adjacent countries, especially the Horn of Africa, is hampered by disruptions to shipping. The already serious humanitarian crisis in the region is made worse by the threat to access to food, medication, and other essentials. Amidst continuous war and marine instability, efforts to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and facilitate humanitarian assistance must be given top priority.
Conclusion
The Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels pose a severe threat to international maritime security, regional stability, and humanitarian efforts in the region. A multifaceted strategy incorporating naval security measures, diplomatic endeavors, conflict resolution efforts, and humanitarian assistance is needed to mitigate this maritime menace. Stakeholders can endeavor to lessen the impact of Houthi rebels' marine attacks and advance peace and stability in the region by addressing the conflict's underlying causes, encouraging communication between parties involved, and strengthening maritime security cooperation.