The Red Sea, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, is facing a growing threat from armed groups that have attacked and seized commercial vessels in recent weeks. The attacks have raised safety concerns for sailors and disrupted the flow of goods and oil in the region.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, when a cargo ship linked to an Israeli billionaire was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates near the coast of Yemen. The US Navy and allied forces responded to the distress call and intercepted several missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen after the attempted hijacking.
The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Iran, have been fighting a war against the internationally recognised government of Yemen since 2014. They have also claimed responsibility for several attacks on ships in the Red Sea, including the seizure of another Israel-linked car carrier on November 19.
The Houthis say they are targeting Israeli interests in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip. The war, which started on October 7, has killed more than 16,000 people and displaced millions more in Gaza and Israel.
The war has also sparked spillover violence in neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias have launched drone and rocket attacks on US and coalition bases. The US has accused Iran of providing weapons and training to the Houthis and other groups in the region.
Iran denies any involvement in the attacks and says it supports a peaceful resolution of the conflicts. However, some analysts say Iran is using its proxies to pressure the US and its allies to lift sanctions and revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump in 2018.
The attacks on ships in the Red Sea have alarmed the international community, which relies on the waterway for transporting about 10% of global trade and 5% of oil. The Red Sea connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal, a vital artery for global commerce.
The International Chamber of Shipping, an association of shipowners and operators, has condemned the attacks and called for the immediate release of the innocent seafarers. It has also urged the UN Security Council to take action to protect maritime security and stability in the region.
The shipping industry is already facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains and caused delays and congestion at ports. The attacks in the Red Sea could further increase the costs and risks of shipping, affecting consumers and businesses around the world.
Some shipping companies, such as Israel’s ZIM, have announced temporary measures to reroute some of their vessels away from the Red Sea to ensure the safety of their crews and cargo. Others have increased their security and insurance premiums to cope with the situation.
The US and its allies have also stepped up their naval presence and patrols in the region to deter and respond to any threats. The US has deployed thousands of Marines and additional forces to the Middle East following the recent attacks.
However, experts say that a lasting solution to the crisis requires a diplomatic and political effort to end the wars and conflicts that fuel the violence and instability in the region. They also call for more dialogue and cooperation among the regional and international actors to address the root causes of the tensions and grievances.
Source: Reuters
