Unraveling the Motives: The Strategic Impact of the Red Sea Ship Attacks by the Houthi Rebels
In a recent video titled “What the Red Sea ship attacks are really about,” Vox has explored the intricate motives underlying the Houthi rebel group’s aggression in targeting ships in the Red Sea. Originally portrayed as a retaliatory act against Israel for its involvement in the Gaza conflict, this offensive gesture by the Houthis seemingly aligned with their support for the Palestinian cause. However, as the situation unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the Houthis had an ulterior motive: to fortify their dominance over Yemen.
The Houthis, engaged in a protracted civil war in Yemen, have secured control over a substantial portion of the country, encompassing areas where over 70% of the Yemeni population resides. This ongoing conflict has plunged Yemen into one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide. The death toll in Yemen, exceeding 377,000, has been attributed to various factors such as airstrikes led by a Saudi coalition, landmines, inadequate medical services, and a naval blockade that has exacerbated food and water scarcities. Both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi forces have faced allegations of committing war crimes in this context.
Despite their control, the Houthis have been unable to ameliorate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The Red Sea ship attacks appear to be a tactical move to solidify their claim as Yemen’s legitimate rulers in the eyes of the Yemeni populace. These attacks have garnered significant support among Yemenis, potentially bolstering the Houthis’ quest for legitimacy.
Vox’s video delves into various historical and political facets of this conflict. It discusses the roles of Saleh and the Zaydis, the implications of the Arab Spring, the progression of the civil war, talks for ceasefire, and the ongoing struggle for legitimacy. The video provides an in-depth view of the conflict’s background and the current state of affairs in Yemen.
For additional context, the video cites resources such as analyses by Fatima Abo Alasrar on the underappreciated threat posed by the Houthis, the strategic depth of the Houthi-Iranian alliance, and the future trajectory of the Yemen war. Historical accounts of the Yemen Civil War, political dynamics of the Zaydis, and reports on the humanitarian conditions under Houthi control are also referenced.
This comprehensive examination by Vox sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the Red Sea ship attacks, highlighting a complex web of geopolitical, humanitarian, and legitimacy concerns in this ongoing conflict.
The Red Sea ship attacks have escalated into a significant global trade and security concern. Since mid-November 2023, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified their offensive, targeting commercial shipping in the lower Red Sea in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. These incidents have included attempts to board merchant tankers, as well as the deployment of drones and missiles against cargo ships. While most incidents have resulted in minimal damage, the hijacking of the tanker Galaxy Leader marks a notable escalation.
The strategic importance of the Red Sea cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital maritime route, linking Europe to Asia and East Africa via the Suez Canal. The Bab el-Mandeb strait, a narrow passage between Djibouti and Yemen, represents a critical point in the southern end of the Red Sea, and has been a focal point of the Houthi attacks. Approximately 12% of global trade, including 30% of the world’s container traffic, passes through the Red Sea, underscoring the potential global impact of any disruptions.
The Houthis, controlling Yemen’s western region including its Red Sea coast, have not only declared war on Israel but have also aligned themselves with Iran, maintaining political autonomy. Their attacks have extended beyond Israeli-linked vessels to include ships from other nations, thereby elevating the threat to international trade.
In response, shipping companies such as Maersk and MSC have either halted or altered their routes to avoid the Red Sea. The United States has announced a maritime coalition to counter these attacks, and cruise operator Carnival has indicated it will likely bypass the Red Sea in 2024 and early 2025 due to the heightened risks.
The US Navy has been actively engaged in countering these threats, as depicted in a report detailing a night aboard a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The report emphasizes the advanced weaponry used by the Houthis, including conventional and ballistic missiles, presenting significant challenges to defense efforts. The HMS Diamond, part of the US-led operation, is equipped with advanced weaponry such as Sea Viper missiles, Phalanx machine guns, and 30mm cannons to counteract the Houthi threat. The crew’s successful downing of a drone using a 30mm cannon illustrates the severity of the threat and the robust measures being implemented to safeguard maritime traffic.
A timeline on Wikipedia highlights specific incidents, including an attack on December 3, 2023, where Houthi-fired anti-ship ballistic missiles targeted three commercial ships in the southern Red Sea. The USS Carney responded by shooting down three drones in self-defense during this hours
