Red Sea: Why the Renewed Attacks And What’s At Stake

A fresh wave of maritime assaults in the Red Sea is reigniting fears over the safety of global trade routes, as Yemen’s Houthi rebels step up their military campaign, now extending into direct missile attacks on Israeli territory.

This week, the Iran-aligned group claimed responsibility for striking Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport with a ballistic missile, in what they described as a “qualitative military operation.”

The Israeli military reported intercepting the missile, preventing damage, but the symbolic significance of the attack is undeniable.

These developments come on the heels of two major maritime incidents in the Red Sea. Two cargo ships, the Eternity C and Magic Seas, were attacked and sunk within the space of two days.

One of the vessels, operated by a Greek firm and sailing under a Liberian flag, had 25 crew members on board. At least four sailors were confirmed dead, while 11 remain unaccounted for. Six of them are reportedly being held by the Houthis, who say they rescued the crew and provided them medical assistance.

This escalation signals a renewed commitment from the Houthis to disrupt Red Sea shipping, targeting vessels they believe are linked to Israel.

According to the group, the recent attacks were provoked by companies violating an existing ban on transporting Israeli-related cargo through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

The group’s leader reaffirmed that this ban remains in place, warning that any perceived violations will be met with force. “It was never cancelled,” he said, emphasizing that the attacks were a response to what he called a breach of the group’s declared restrictions.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 ships, launching their campaign in what they claim is an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While these actions have slowed in recent months, the recent wave of incidents makes it clear the group’s intent remains unchanged.

In response to the Red Sea attacks, Israel launched airstrikes on multiple coastal sites in Yemen, including ports and infrastructure believed to be under Houthi control.

One of the targets included a vessel previously captured by the Houthis, raising further questions about maritime safety in the region.

The security implications are profound. The cost of insuring ships traveling through the Red Sea has nearly doubled, with war risk premiums now rising to nearly 0.7% of a vessel’s value. Shippers are reconsidering traditional routes, some opting to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, a costly and time-consuming alternative.

What This Attcks Mean

The return of these attacks suggests a long-haul disruption to one of the world’s busiest maritime arteries.

More than a geopolitical gesture, the Red Sea offensive has grown into a calculated strategy aimed at economic pressure. By threatening global supply chains and imposing financial strain on commercial shipping, the Houthis are leveraging their position far beyond Yemen’s borders.

At the core of this crisis lies a message: as long as the war in Gaza persists, the Red Sea will not be safe. The Houthis have made it clear, this is not merely about Yemen or Israel, but about reshaping the regional balance of power using the arteries of global trade as the battleground.

As international naval forces increase their presence in the area, and commercial shipping firms adjust their routes, a broader question emerges: how long can the world afford this standoff in the Red Sea, and what are the long-term consequences of leaving it unresolved?

The Long-Term Consequences

If the crisis remains unaddressed, the Red Sea may steadily lose its viability as a secure commercial route, forcing a permanent shift in global shipping patterns.

This would drive up transport costs, inflate the prices of essential goods, and place new pressure on fragile economies dependent on maritime trade.

Strategically, it could embolden non-state actors elsewhere to weaponize trade routes for political leverage, setting a dangerous precedent for global commerce and regional stability.