Houthis Threaten Red Sea Shipping in Escalated Campaign
Yemen's Houthi group warns of attacks on ships, expanding their military tactics amid regional tensions.
- The Houthis have launched nearly 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November, targeting vessels with ties to Israel, the US, and the UK.
- The group has expanded its threats to entire fleets, particularly targeting Greek shipping companies, despite limited connections to Israel.
- Insurance costs for Western shipowners have surged, with some companies halting Red Sea routes due to safety concerns.
- The European Union's naval force, Aspides, has confirmed the Houthis' shift in tactics, advising ships to turn off tracking systems to reduce attack risks.
- Despite the threats, Chinese and Russian-owned ships continue to navigate the Red Sea largely unimpeded, benefiting from lower insurance costs.