Yemen's Houthis threaten to target merchant vessels
The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has launched a new phase of its maritime campaign, vowing to target any merchant vessel linked to countries or companies maintaining commercial ties with Israeli ports.
An intensification of the ongoing disruption in the Red Sea is looming
Backed by Iran and controlling much of northern Yemen, the Houthi rebel group has been disrupting navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since late 2023 through repeated drone and missile attacks. This escalation underscores the broader regional instability that continues to impact global trade routes.
Bypassing established routes increases shipping distances.
Many vessels now prefer to bypass the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, extending transit times, reducing vessel availability, and sustaining high freight rates—a situation that, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, benefits certain shipowners in terms of revenue.
Sources: Financial Times, Reuters & TradeWinds.