STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Bab el-Mandeb strait — a 29-kilometer-wide chokepoint between Yemen and Djibouti — handles approximately 12% of global trade and is a critical transit route for oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America. Beginning in November 2023, Yemen's Houthi movement (officially Ansar Allah) began launching drone and missile attacks against commercial vessels they claim are linked to Israel, in declared solidarity with Gaza.
By 2026, the campaign has evolved into a sustained maritime conflict involving anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, suicide drones, and underwater explosive devices — a novel combination that has challenged even the most advanced naval defense systems.
ATTACK METHODS AND CAPABILITIES
Drone Systems
The Houthis have demonstrated an inventory of Iranian-supplied and domestically produced drone systems. The Shahed-136 / Samad-3 series are the primary platforms used, with ranges reportedly exceeding 2,000 km. Swarm tactics — launching multiple drones simultaneously — have successfully overwhelmed point defense systems on commercial vessels and challenged even naval escorts.
Ballistic and Cruise Missiles
The Qudus-1 cruise missile and Tankil anti-ship ballistic missile represent the most threatening capabilities. Anti-ship ballistic missiles are particularly challenging to intercept due to their high-speed terminal dive trajectory. The US Navy has expended dozens of SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors in defensive operations, raising questions about magazine depth sustainability.
Underwater Drones
Since mid-2024, Houthi forces have deployed unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in the strait — a new escalation that complicates naval defense posture. The full capability and inventory of these systems remains unknown from open sources.
US AND ALLIED RESPONSE
Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led multinational naval task force, was established in December 2023 to protect commercial shipping. The operation has grown to include over 20 nations, though major European powers withdrew or limited participation following escalation concerns.
US and UK forces have conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes against Houthi missile and drone launch sites, command infrastructure, and weapons storage facilities in Yemen. Despite significant damage to Houthi capabilities, the attacks have not ended the maritime campaign, demonstrating the movement's resilience and deep weapons stockpiles.
"Iranian weapons transfers to the Houthis via Oman and direct sea routes have continued despite US interdiction operations. Seized shipments have included anti-ship missile components, drone parts, and ballistic missile guidance systems. The pipeline appears robust enough to sustain Houthi offensive capacity indefinitely." — Based on US Navy, Pentagon, and UN Panel of Experts reports.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Red Sea crisis has had measurable global economic consequences:
- Shipping costs: Container freight rates between Asia and Europe increased 200–400% from pre-crisis levels, though rates have partially normalized as rerouting became standard.
- Energy markets: Oil tanker diversions around the Cape of Good Hope have increased transport costs, contributing to energy price volatility.
- Supply chains: European manufacturers, particularly automotive and consumer electronics sectors, reported production delays due to extended component delivery times.
- Suez Canal revenue: Egyptian toll revenue from the Suez Canal fell sharply as traffic dropped by over 60%, causing significant economic pressure on Egypt.
- Insurance premiums: War risk insurance premiums for Red Sea transits increased 10–20x from baseline, making some routes economically unviable.
HUMANITARIAN DIMENSION
While the Houthi attacks have caused disruption globally, Yemen itself remains in a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The ongoing civil war between Houthi forces and the internationally recognized Yemeni government (backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE) has displaced millions and created what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
US and allied airstrikes in Yemen have caused civilian casualties, complicating the narrative and generating domestic political pressure in Western countries regarding continued military operations.
OUTLOOK
The Red Sea crisis is unlikely to end without a resolution of the underlying Gaza conflict or a significant degradation of Houthi military capabilities — neither of which appears imminent. Most major shipping lines have adjusted to the Cape of Good Hope routing as a new normal, suggesting the economic disruption, while ongoing, may be absorbed by global supply chains over time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are Houthi forces attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea?
Attacks are linked to regional tensions and are intended to disrupt maritime traffic and exert strategic pressure.
How are Red Sea attacks affecting global trade and shipping routes?
Shipping routes are being rerouted, increasing transit times and costs.
Which countries are involved in military responses to Houthi attacks?
Multiple countries have deployed naval assets to protect shipping lanes.
Are major shipping lanes in the Red Sea still safe for transit?
Risk levels have increased, though escorted and rerouted traffic continues.
What is Operation Prosperity Guardian and how does it work?
It is a multinational naval effort focused on securing maritime routes and deterring attacks.
What are the long-term risks to global supply chains from Red Sea disruptions?
Sustained disruption could impact energy flows, trade costs, and supply chain stability.
AUTHOR
Arda Alkis is an energy and hybrid conflict analyst specializing in maritime security, strategic chokepoints, and irregular warfare. His work is based on open-source intelligence and data from ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data), the International Crisis Group (ICG), and international reporting networks. He focuses on energy-driven conflicts, proxy warfare, and instability across the Middle East, Africa, and global trade corridors.
Read more about the WarWatch editorial team on the About page.
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- Reuters – Energy
- Lloyd's List (Maritime)
- United Nations OCHA
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