Who and Why?
The Red Sea, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, has become a hotspot of conflict and insecurity in recent months. Yemeni rebels, known as the Houthis, have launched a series of attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a narrow waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
The red sea attacks have become a huge threat to the world shipping industry. The Houthis, who control the western part of Yemen and are backed by Iran, have declared war on Israel in response to its bombardment of Gaza in late 2023. They have used drones, missiles, and even hijacked a tanker to disrupt the flow of trade and oil in the region.
The consequences of the red sea attacks are far-reaching and potentially devastating. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Red Sea accounts for 15% of global trade, and approximately 18 shipping companies have already decided to reroute their vessels around South Africa to reduce risks. This requires 10 additional days of travel, resulting in higher freight rates and a negative impact on trade. Moreover, the Red Sea is a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid to Yemen, which is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, as well as to other countries in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
The Worldwide Impact
The international community has expressed alarm and condemnation over the Houthi attacks, and called for de-escalation and protection of maritime security. The United States has announced a maritime coalition to defend shipping against the red sea attacks, and deployed naval vessels to the area. The United Kingdom and other western nations have also shot down suspected attack drones targeting shipping vessels in the Red Sea.The United Nations Security Council has urged the Houthis to stop their attacks and release the Galaxy Leader, a tanker that they seized on 19 November 2023, along with its crew. The IMO has underlined the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers, the freedom of navigation, and the stability of supply chains.
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However, some analysts have argued that the Red Sea crisis cannot be resolved without addressing the root causes of the conflict in Yemen, which has been raging since 2015. The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition that supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen, which was ousted by the rebels in 2014.The war has killed more than 230,000 people, displaced millions, and pushed the country to the brink of famine. The Houthis have also accused the coalition of imposing a blockade on Yemen’s ports, preventing the delivery of food, fuel, and medicine. The coalition denies this, and says it only inspects ships for weapons.
The United Nations
The UN has been trying to broker a political solution to the conflict so the red sea attacks would stop, but the efforts have been stalled by the lack of trust and goodwill between the parties. The Houthis have rejected several proposals for a ceasefire and a power-sharing agreement, and have continued to launch cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. The coalition has also carried out airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The Biden administration has announced its intention to end US support for the coalition’s offensive operations, and to revive the diplomatic process. However, the prospects for peace remain uncertain, as the Houthis seem to be emboldened by their military gains and their alliance with Iran.
The Red Sea Attacks
The Red Sea crisis is a manifestation of the complex and intertwined dynamics of the Middle East, where regional rivalries, sectarian tensions, and geopolitical interests collide. The Houthis are not only fighting for their survival and autonomy in Yemen, but also for their role and influence in the wider region.
By attacking the Red Sea, they are challenging the status quo and the balance of power, and sending a message to their enemies and allies alike. They are also exploiting the vulnerability and interdependence of the global economy, which depends on the smooth and secure movement of goods and energy across the oceans. The Red Sea attack is a wake-up call for the world to pay attention to the crisis in Yemen, and to work together to restore peace and stability in the region.
