Yemen’s Houthi Militia Continues to Target Ships in International Waters
The leader of Yemen’s Houthi militia, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, recently made a bold statement claiming that his forces have attacked 129 ships in international waters since the start of their campaign in November. Despite facing political and economic pressure to cease targeting ships, Al-Houthi remains steadfast in his resolve to continue these attacks.
Ongoing Maritime Operations
According to Al-Houthi, the militia has launched 27 ballistic missiles and drones in 12 operations against 10 ships in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean over the last seven days. He refuted claims that the militia had reduced its maritime strikes, stating that their actions have not decreased but have resulted in a decrease in navigation and ship movement on the American, British, and Israeli sides.
US Response
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US Central Command announced that its forces had destroyed a new wave of drones and missiles fired by the Houthis over international seas off Yemen. The US military successfully foiled Houthi missile launches by destroying launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. The US military’s actions are aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety and security of international waters.
Houthi Claims of Drone Shootdowns
The Houthis claimed to have shot down a US military MQ-9 Reaper drone over the central province of Marib. This marks the sixth time the Yemeni militia has claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone since the start of their Red Sea operation. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and US forces underscores the volatility of the situation in Yemen.
Economic Impact
The Houthi militia’s activities in the Red Sea have resulted in the loss of one commercial ship, the capture of another, and the targeting of numerous other ships in international maritime channels. Shipping companies have been forced to forgo the Suez Canal route via the Red Sea in favor of longer and more costly routes across Africa. The economic consequences of these attacks are significant and have far-reaching implications for global trade.
Central Bank Sanctions
Meanwhile, the Aden-based central bank has sanctioned six Yemeni banks for failing to comply with directives to relocate their activities from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to government-controlled Aden. The central bank’s actions are part of a broader effort to exert control over financial institutions and prevent them from supporting the Houthis financially. The economic war between the Yemeni government and the Houthis has escalated in recent years, leading to increased tensions and instability in the region.
In conclusion, Yemen’s Houthi militia continues to pose a threat to international shipping in the Red Sea and beyond. Despite efforts to pressure them into ceasing their maritime attacks, the Houthis remain defiant and continue to target ships in international waters. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and US forces, coupled with economic sanctions and escalating tensions, paints a troubling picture of the situation in Yemen. It is imperative for all parties involved to seek diplomatic solutions to end the cycle of violence and instability plaguing the region.