🇾🇪 Yemen (Houthi / Ansar Allah) — Maritime Risk Profile
Houthi forces (Ansar Allah) controlling western Yemen have conducted the world's most active maritime attack campaign since October 2023, targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb with missiles, drones, and naval mines.
Background
The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, are an Iranian-backed armed movement that controls a large portion of Yemen including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The movement emerged from the Zaidi Shia community in northern Yemen and fought a series of wars with the Yemeni government before seizing Sanaa in 2014–15. A Saudi-led military coalition has been fighting to restore the government since 2015. Iran supplies the Houthis with weapons, training, and intelligence through the 'Axis of Resistance' network.
Current Maritime Threats
Anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) with ranges covering the entire Red Sea
One-way attack drones (including Shahed variants) targeting commercial and naval vessels
Anti-ship cruise missiles including the Filjal/Noor (based on Chinese C-802)
Floating naval mines deployed in shipping lanes
Potential targeting of vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea
Seizure operations using fast-attack boats and helicopter-borne boarding teams
Key Actors
Ansar Allah (Houthi) — political and military leadership
Houthi naval forces — operates boats, mines, and launches missiles/drones
Iran Quds Force — weapons supply and technical assistance
Houthi air force — manages drone and ballistic missile operations
Key Events Timeline
Attacks resume after ceasefire collapses
Gaza ceasefire announced; Houthis declare conditional pause
VLCC Sounion attacked; drifts for weeks, environmental risk
True Confidence attacked; three crew killed — first fatalities
MV Rubymar struck; sinks 12 days later — first vessel sunk
US and UK begin strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen
US establishes Operation Prosperity Guardian
MSC, CMA CGM suspend Red Sea transits
Galaxy Leader (car carrier) seized — first vessel captured
Houthis fire first missiles toward Israel; declare maritime campaign