65 countries affected by Houthi attacks in Red Sea, including Iran: US intelligence

The Iran-backed Houthi group, operating from Yemen, has significantly disrupted maritime security and international trade in the Red Sea. 

This has affected the interests of 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies. According to a recent report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Houthis, despite their claims of targeting Israeli-linked ships in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza, have frequently attacked civilian vessels with little or no connection to Israel.

Scope and Nature of Attacks

Since 2023, the Houthis have employed a variety of tactics, including missile launches, drone attacks, and the use of unmanned surface vessels, to strike commercial shipping in this crucial maritime corridor. The report highlights that the attacks have indiscriminately impacted a wide array of nations, including the United States, Britain, Turkey, Russia, China, Qatar, and notably, Iran, the Houthis' alleged primary supporter.

These aggressive actions have not only undermined regional security but also hindered international humanitarian efforts and strained global maritime trade. The Red Sea, a vital shipping lane, has seen a dramatic decline in container shipping, with volumes plummeting by approximately 90% since December 2023. This corridor typically handles about 10-15% of global maritime trade, emphasizing the severity of the disruption.

International Response and Operations

In response to the escalating threat, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023, a multinational initiative aimed at protecting commercial vessels from aerial and maritime threats. This operation includes active defense measures, such as intercepting missiles and drones. Concurrently, the US and Britain have targeted Houthi infrastructure within Yemen through direct strikes. The European Union has also launched its defensive operation, Aspides, to counter the maritime threats posed by the Houthis.

Despite these efforts, the attacks have persisted, compelling major shipping and energy firms to alter their routes, significantly increasing operational costs. The rerouting of ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope adds approximately 11,000 nautical miles, extends transit times by 1-2 weeks, and incurs an additional $1 million in fuel costs per voyage.

Economic and Strategic Impact

The Houthi attacks have forced a substantial shift in maritime logistics, impacting global supply chains and escalating insurance premiums for shipping companies operating in the region. The strategic importance of the Red Sea, a conduit for much of the world's maritime trade, underscores the far-reaching implications of these disruptions.

The DIA report underscores the broader geopolitical ramifications, noting that even Iran, despite being the alleged principal supplier of the Houthis' weaponry, has not been immune to these attacks. An incident in February involved a Houthi missile striking a Greek-owned ship en route to Iran from Brazil, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the threat.

Future Outlook

The continued Houthi aggression in the Red Sea highlights the group's capacity to destabilize critical global trade routes and the ongoing challenge for international coalitions to ensure maritime security. The US, European, and allied naval operations will likely need to intensify to mitigate these threats effectively. Additionally, diplomatic efforts to address the underlying regional tensions and the Houthis' motivations are essential to achieving a sustainable resolution.

In summary, the Houthi attacks have not only disrupted vital shipping lanes but also highlighted the vulnerabilities in global maritime security. The international community's response, while robust, must adapt to the evolving tactics of the Houthis to safeguard this crucial economic artery.