Red Sea & Bab-el-Mandeb Crisis — Houthi Attacks on Commercial Shipping
Background
Since October 2023, Houthi forces based in Yemen have conducted a sustained campaign of missile, drone, and naval mine attacks against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis claim the attacks are in solidarity with Gaza. The campaign has triggered the largest disruption to global shipping since the Suez Crisis, forcing most major carriers to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope — adding 10–14 days and thousands of dollars per voyage.
Current Status
Attacks continue intermittently. US-UK coalition airstrikes (Operation Prosperity Guardian / Operation Poseidon Archer) have degraded but not eliminated Houthi capabilities. An estimated 80–90% of shipping that previously transited the Suez Canal now diverts via the Cape route. War-risk insurance premiums for Red Sea transits remain 5–10× pre-crisis levels. Ceasefire talks between the US and Houthis have been reported but attacks continue.
Key Events Timeline
Attacks resume after ceasefire collapses; Red Sea remains high-risk zone
Gaza ceasefire announced; Houthis declare conditional pause in attacks
Greek-operated tanker Sounion attacked; floats abandoned for weeks
Houthi drone kills Israeli citizen in Tel Aviv — first direct hit on Israel
True Confidence bulk carrier struck; three crew killed — first fatalities
UK-registered Rubymar bulk carrier struck; sinks 12 days later — first vessel lost
US and UK conduct first joint strikes on Houthi targets inside Yemen
US launches Operation Prosperity Guardian multinational maritime coalition
MSC, CMA CGM suspend Red Sea transits; Maersk and others follow
Houthis seize Israeli-linked Galaxy Leader car carrier in Red Sea
Houthis launch first missiles and drones toward Israel; Red Sea shipping put on alert