From November 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, declaring that they would target ships connected to Israel or Israeli interests in solidarity with Gaza. The attacks rapidly expanded to target vessels with no obvious Israeli connection, threatening one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
From November 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, declaring that they would target ships connected to Israel or Israeli interests in solidarity with Gaza. The attacks rapidly expanded to target vessels with no obvious Israeli connection, threatening one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which the Red Sea traffic flows, handles approximately 15% of global shipping — including significant volumes of European-Asian trade, energy shipments, and container goods. By early 2024, the majority of major shipping companies had rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 14 days to journey times and significantly increasing fuel and operational costs.
The US and UK launched Operation Prosperity Guardian and conducted airstrikes on Houthi missile and drone launch sites from January 2024. Despite sustained strikes, Houthi attack capability has proven resilient. Iran has provided missile and drone technology that has significantly extended Houthi reach and accuracy.
The economic impact is significant and ongoing. Container shipping rates from Asia to Europe surged 300-400% at peak. Insurance costs for Red Sea transits remain at war-risk premiums. Global supply chains have had to recalibrate around longer transit times.