Since November 2023, the Red and Arabian Seas have become a focal point of increased maritime conflict, primarily due to the activities of the Yemeni militia, known as the Houthis. The militia has been targeting commercial vessels and warships linked to Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, in what appears to be a response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly related to the ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza. The Houthis have declared a partial self-imposed blockade, vowing to continue their maritime disruptions until Israel halts its military actions.
Recent Developments
On a recent Tuesday, the conflict witnessed a significant escalation when the UK Maritime Trade Organization reported that an unidentified merchant ship, located 82 nautical miles south of Aden, Yemen, experienced two explosions in close proximity. Fortunately, the vessel and its crew were unharmed. This incident underscores the precarious security situation in these crucial maritime routes.
Overnight on the same Tuesday, the US military engaged directly with the conflict by shooting down a Houthi drone over the Red Sea. Later in the day, it was reported that the Dwight D. Eisenhower supercarrier, a key asset of the American naval fleet, had resumed operations in the region following a brief resupply stop. The supercarrier, along with its accompanying squadron of missile destroyers, has been deployed in the region since October 14 and is expected to remain until early summer, as confirmed by US officials.
This uptick in Houthi activity followed a brief period of reduced aggression, which coincided with an announcement from Hamas, a Palestinian militia group, indicating their readiness to accept a ceasefire with Israel. However, Israel’s rejection of this proposal led to a new wave of regional conflict that included not only Houthi attacks but also skirmishes along the Israeli-Lebanese border with Hezbollah and an attack by Iraqi militias targeting Israeli military assets.
Internal Developments within Yemen
The Houthi’s aggressive stance was further highlighted by recent revelations from Houthi-affiliated media, which reported the dismantling of a large spy ring allegedly linked to Israel and the United States. This network was accused of collecting intelligence and conducting sabotage operations within Yemen, purportedly to support US and Israeli strategic interests. The media reported that the detained individuals confessed to their roles in these operations, which were designed to distract and weaken Houthi efforts in supporting the Palestinian cause.
These developments have had a considerable impact on maritime traffic in the region. A recent report from Clarksons, a prominent shipbroker company, highlighted a dramatic 69 percent drop in commercial tonnage passing through the Gulf of Aden in April, compared to December figures. The most striking declines were noted in LNG ship transits, which fell to zero, and boxship transits, which decreased by 89 percent.
The Beginnings of the Blockade
The Houthi campaign began in earnest in November with the seizure of the Israeli-owned Galaxy Leader ro-ro car carrier. This act marked the beginning of the self-imposed blockade, which was a ramp-up from previous unsuccessful missile and drone attacks directly targeting Israel. The persistent Houthi operations have since resulted in the damage and sinking of nearly two dozen ships in the Red Sea, including the sinking of a UK-owned cargo ship. Additionally, the militia has successfully shot down several US MQ-9 Reaper drones.
Casualties and Continuing Conflict
The conflict has not been without human cost. Reports indicate that nearly 50 Yemenis have been killed due to US and British strikes on Yemen since January. Moreover, an attack attributed to the Houthi militia resulted in the deaths of two Filipino sailors, with six more injured. The Galaxy Leader and its crew remain in Houthi custody, a stark reminder of the ongoing human toll and the strategic complexity of this conflict.
The situation in the Red and Arabian Seas is a microcosm of larger regional dynamics involving multiple actors with intersecting and often conflicting interests. The continuation of these maritime disruptions highlights the broader geopolitical struggles in the Middle East and poses significant challenges for international trade and security. As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, with hopes for a resolution that ensures the safety of maritime passages and the stability of the region.