The Houthi rebels in Yemen have been causing a significant disruption to global trade by obstructing shipping along the Red Sea. This alarming situation began as a measure of protest against Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. The rebels have been targeting merchant ships since November last year, resulting in numerous attacks on these ships. This has not only had a severe impact on global trade but has also been identified as a new global crisis. Notably, 18 shipping companies have suspended their ships from sailing through the Red Sea, indicating the gravity of the situation. The Houthi rebels’ actions have resulted in a significant loss of revenue for these shipping companies, and it has also affected the global supply chain, leading to delays in the delivery of goods and services. The situation remains tense, and how long it will take to resolve this issue is unclear.
Houthi rebels are
The Houthi rebels are a faction of Shiite Muslims who are part of Yemen’s minority population. Hussein Al Houthi founded the group, and they are also referred to as simply ‘Houthi’. This armed movement originated in the 1990s and has been the target of multiple unsuccessful elimination attempts by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. It is believed that the Saudi Arabian military has backed Saleh in these attempts.
In 2014, the Houthis started a civil war against the Yemeni government, which has resulted in a staggering 377,000 deaths by early 2022. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.
The Houthis are known to have ties with Hamas and Hezbollah, two other militant organisations. They support Hamas in their ongoing conflict with Israel and have launched drone and ballistic missile attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. These attacks have caused international concern and have been condemned by multiple countries.
In summary, the Houthi rebels are a Shiite Muslim faction in Yemen that has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the government. Their ties with other militant groups and their use of violent tactics have made them a cause for concern in the region.
The Red Sea is the most critical global supply network
The Red Sea is a vital component in the global supply network, serving as a significant route for the transportation of oil, liquid natural gas, and consumer goods. This sea is approximately 2,250 km long, with a width of 355 km at its widest point, an average depth of 490 meters, and a maximum depth of around 3,040 meters. It is bordered by six countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, and Djibouti.
The Red Sea’s strategic location connects it to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, making it a crucial transport route between Europe and Asia and one of the busiest in the world. This route has become an essential point of continuity for the global supply chain, and the smooth flow of shipping traffic through the Red Sea is critical to the world’s economy.
To protect ships in the Red Sea, the US has launched an international naval operation called ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian.’ This operation involves several countries, including Britain, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway, and Spain, who have contributed their resources and efforts to ensure the safety and security of the sea routes. China also contributes to the operation, indicating its active role in preventing potential attacks.
The Red Sea’s significance as a vital shipping route cannot be overstated. It is a crucial pathway for the transportation of goods, and the safety and security of the sea routes are of utmost importance to the global economy. The international collaboration and effort to protect the Red Sea and its shipping traffic will undoubtedly ensure its smooth operation and continuity in the future.
A pledge from the Houthis that they will not give up the fight
The Houthi rebels have declared their intention to persist with their attacks, leading to a weakening of global action. Despite warnings from countries such as the US that Yemen’s Houthi rebels will face dire consequences if they continue to disrupt the operation of the Red Sea, there is no indication that they are ready to give up their activities.
Navigation will be disrupted
Many European trading companies have expressed concern about potential delays in their supply networks due to the situation in the Red Sea. One of the leading British trading companies, Next, has reported disruptions in its supply network. Companies are taking measures to change their shipping routes due to the threat of Houthi rebels, leading to increased shipping charges and the risk of rising commodity prices.
Since mid-December, 405 container ships have bypassed the Red Sea, accounting for 78% of vessels that typically sail through the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal accounts for around 30% of global container traffic, making the current situation a severe hindrance to shipping operations. If the problem is not resolved, it could directly cause rising commodity prices worldwide and have dire economic consequences for the global community.
Shipping companies have highlighted that the safety of the route around the Red Sea needs to be confirmed to control the situation. Therefore, it has become necessary for all countries to work together to ensure the safety of this route.
