The Red Sea attackers are making huge profits by extorting ship owners for “protection money,” with Houthi rebels reportedly pocketing $2 billion in the past year. The complex maritime operations and political pressures make it challenging for law enforcement to combat this trend effectively, as funds flow through convoluted routes.
U.S. forces have recently targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, destroying drones, ground control stations, and missiles. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed attacks on a container ship and US destroyers. Despite this, CENTCOM emphasized the threats posed by such actions, urging regional stability. However, no definitive evidence of attacks on US ships was provided.
Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral Stavridis criticized the Western response to the Red Sea conflict as weak and defensive. The ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis have disrupted global shipping, leading to increased costs and bottlenecks in supply chains. Stavridis suggests a strategic offensive plan to neutralize the threat posed by the Houthis and their backers in Iran.
U.S. and British forces carried out attacks in Yemen, targeting Houthi capabilities against ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis responded in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The campaign aims to weaken the Houthis but falls short of defeating the group or directly targeting Iran.
