Houthi Attacks on Merchant Ships in Southern Red Sea Disrupt Global Trade

Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the southern Red Sea are disrupting global trade, with at least 16 ships directly targeted by drones or missiles since mid-November. However, the damage to the ships has been relatively minor, with all vessels able to continue their journeys. According to Mark O’Neil, chief executive of Columbia Group, the attacks indicate that the Houthis are acting carefully and deliberately, with no significant damage or injuries reported.

While the attacks have caused some global shipping to avoid the waterway, the limited damage has led some shipowners to continue sending their vessels through the area. However, the attacks have caused six ships to be in “casualty or repair” status, with the rest at sea or in ports, making it difficult to determine when repairs will be made.

The Houthis claim they are targeting ships linked to Israel, the US, and Britain, with a spike in attacks on US ships following US and UK airstrikes on Yemen. Since the attacks began, there have been over 60 incidents in and around the waterway, but most of the damage has not been significant, with no total loss reported from a missile attack.

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