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Iran-Backed Houthi Attacks on Ships Sailing Through Red Sea and Suez Canal Raise Concerns on a Global Level

The Situation

The Yemeni rebel group, Houthis, has been escalating its attacks on ships sailing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal in a strategic shipping route, which compromises 12% of world trade. This continuous barrage of attacks have impacted global commerce and undermined navigational freedom, reaching a critical point when the US and its allies, such as Britain, responded with missile strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

The Houthis

The Houthis, a Shiite rebel group, have been fighting Yemen’s government for over two decades, with strong ties to Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Their acrimony toward Israel and the United States has resulted in their tactics mirroring those of other Iran-led groups such as the use of advanced weaponry including ballistic missiles, long-range drones, and support for militias throughout the Middle East, most notably during the civil war in Yemen.

The Attacks

In retaliation to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis have declared their backing for Hamas and are targeting ships bound to or from Israeli ports. These attacks have increased since last November, with nearly 27 recorded incidents involving vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden being targeted by Houthi-made drones and missiles. The situation reached a turning point when a commercial vessel was recently targeted, further exacerbating the turmoil in the region.

Global Implications

The unpredictability of the attacks has created a ripple effect on the global economy. As more carriers and shippers decide to avoid the region, this has resulted in a significant disruption of the supply chains for over 40 countries. Alternatives such as re-routing vessels through Africa present their own challenges, including increased costs, longer shipping routes, and mounting fuel expenses. The continued instability caused by the attacks risks further ramifications on the already fragile global economy.

US and Allied Response

The United States and allies have taken steps to denounce the Houthi attacks and preserve the freedom of navigation and shipping through the Red Sea. The Biden administration assembled a naval task force with the UK and other allies to patrol the region in an effort to intercept Houthi missiles and drones and to protect commercial vessels. However, the reticence of Middle Eastern countries to assist in maintaining the security of the waterways further complicates the situation, compelling the need for a coordinated global strategy to counteract Houthi aggression.

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