Houthi Movement Announces: Resumption of Red Sea Shipping Attacks!
Created on 03.03
The maritime security situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply in late February after the United States and Israel confirmed strikes on Iran.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have stated that after a pause of several months, they plan to resume attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
Two senior Houthi officials, speaking anonymously to international media without issuing formal public statements, revealed that in response to U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, the Houthi forces have decided to restart missile and drone attacks targeting maritime traffic.
The officials stated that the new wave of attacks could be launched at any time, with targets including the routes they previously struck during their 2024-2025 Red Sea and Gulf of Aden operations.
In mid-November 2025, influenced by a regional de-escalation following a Gaza ceasefire, the Houthi rebels had effectively suspended large-scale maritime attacks.
From around November 11, 2025, to late February 2026, the group did not consistently and verifiably carry out missile or drone attacks on merchant ships.
Therefore, this statement signifies the end of nearly three and a half months of relative calm along this critical global trade corridor.
The Baltic International Maritime Council (BIMCO) has warned that if the Houthis resume attacks, vessels associated with U.S. or Israeli interests will face significantly increased risks.
Houthi targets in the past not only included flag states but also vessels considered related to the U.S. and Israel in terms of ownership, chartering, trade, and corporate affiliations.
In previous attack cycles, ships without clear U.S.-Israeli connections were also attacked, due to both deliberate strikes and misjudgments. Even merchant ships operating in the Red Sea and adjacent waters, despite considering themselves neutral, could still face risks.
BIMCO advises that vessels already navigating in the area may consider delaying their voyages, entering territorial waters for refuge where permitted, or rerouting entirely, depending on their charter party, insurance terms, and coastal state regulations.
Furthermore, if attacks resume, war risk premiums are highly likely to increase significantly.
During previous Houthi operations, additional war risk premiums for Red Sea routes climbed considerably, with some single voyages seeing premiums increase by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Once a confirmed substantial attack occurs, especially after missiles or drones hit merchant ships, insurers typically reassess premiums immediately.
Industry sources indicate that the U.S. Navy has issued maritime security alerts covering parts of the Gulf, advising merchant vessels to heighten vigilance and, where operationally feasible, avoid areas with dense military activity.
Such warnings are usually issued to reduce the risk of misjudgment and accidental strikes during military operations.
As of the evening of February 28th, there have been no independent confirmations of new maritime attacks following the Houthis' latest statement.
However, both naval forces and commercial operators in the region have elevated threat levels and activated contingency plans.
Article Source: Veyun.com
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