Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

The Houthi attacks on marine vessels in the Red Sea, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, have been ongoing since 2017 and have recently escalated. These attacks are not solely aimed at influencing the global oil market. Following the Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, the Houthi operations took on a more targeted approach, focusing on tankers from countries that allegedly support Israel or are associated with Israeli figures. This expansion in scope has made their attacks a significant threat to global trade and the oil price market. While many view these attacks as revenge against Israel and a show of support for Gaza, there are actually two primary motives at play. First, it is a message to Israel itself, particularly its right-wing government, that Iran and its agents are ready to deter potential Israeli attacks and destabilize the region. Second, it serves to discourage the United States, one of Israel’s strongest allies, from increasing its focus in the region and thwarting Iran’s ambitions in the Gulf. These attacks raise important questions about the impact on the American military presence in the region and the role of other powers. In response, Washington has formed a naval coalition involving over 20 countries, mainly from Europe, to counter these attacks. While maritime alliances in the Red Sea have existed in the past to combat piracy, terrorism, and Iranian threats, the intensity and participation of forces in this new alliance are unprecedented. This prompts speculation about whether this coalition could be a part of President Biden’s larger strategy to counter China and its allies. The lack of response from China, despite the significant impact of these attacks on Chinese trade, is noteworthy. It appears that China believes the broad Western presence in the Indian Ocean relieves the burden of protection on its trade routes while diverting Washington’s attention away from the Pacific. However, the Western coalition aims to confront China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and Africa. Therefore, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are reshaping alliances and creating tense situations. These attacks have far-reaching consequences that will continue to unfold in the foreseeable future. —Noura Saleh Al-Majim (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)