Houthis issue fresh threats towards vessels perceived to be linked to Israel
Houthis Expand Threat Against Shipping Companies with Israeli Ties
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, have recently broadened their threat to target all ships belonging to companies that conduct business with Israeli ports, regardless of the ships’ nationality or destination [1][2][3]. This escalation comes amid ongoing military operations against Israel in the Gaza conflict, aiming to pressure Israel to ease its blockade on Gaza.
The Red Sea, a major global maritime route through which roughly $1 trillion in goods passes annually, has been severely disrupted due to the Houthis’ attacks. Since November 2023, the group has attacked over 100 vessels in the Red Sea using drones and ballistic missiles, sinking ships and causing casualties. The attacks have also continued against Israel directly, despite a ceasefire deal with the U.S. that reduced attacks on American ships [1][3].
In response to the threats, most major container carriers have rerouted their services around the Horn of Africa, significantly increasing transit times and costs. Only a few container lines, such as the French CMA CGM, continue to operate some services via the Red Sea [1][2][4]. The diverted services now take longer, more expensive voyages around the Horn of Africa.
The Houthis’ actions are linked to their Iran-backed support and ideological opposition toward Israel and Western allies. Their threats are also framed as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and calls for pressure on Israel to end its military operations and blockade [1][2][3].
This escalation in naval insecurity in the strategic Red Sea corridor marks a significant disruption in global maritime trade routes and increases geopolitical tensions in the region [1][2][3][4]. NATO has issued a warning about ports being vulnerable to unprecedented cyber threats, adding to the concerns in the maritime industry [5].
References:
[1] Chirls, S. (2024). Houthi Rebels Expand Threat Against Shipping Companies with Israeli Ties. The Maritime Executive. Retrieved from https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/houthi-rebels-expand-threat-against-shipping-companies-with-israeli-ties
[2] Associated Press. (2024). Houthis threaten ships dealing with Israeli ports. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/2/houthis-threaten-ships-dealing-with-israeli-ports
[3] Reuters. (2024). Houthi rebels threaten ships dealing with Israeli ports. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-702936
[4] The Maritime Executive. (2024). Major Container Lines Reroute Services Due to Houthi Threats. The Maritime Executive. Retrieved from https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/major-container-lines-reroute-services-due-to-houthi-threats
[5] NATO. (2024). NATO issues warning about cyber threats to ports. NATO. Retrieved from https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_183943.htm
- The ongoing threat by the Houthis against ships linked to Israeli ports is affecting not only politics and general news, but also war-and-conflicts, as these actions are related to the escalating Gaza conflict, and the cyber threats against ports could potentially impact crime-and-justice, especially when it comes to the security of maritime shipping.
- As the Houthis continue their attacks on shipping companies, it's crucial to address the increasing disruption in the Red Sea maritime trade routes, a key global artery, which not only affects economics and politics, but also its impact on war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and the geopolitical tensions in the region.
