Yemen’s Houthi rebels, in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, have intensified attacks on U.S. and Israeli merchant ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea since October 7, 2023.
Over 500 vessels have faced missile and drone strikes, with the Houthis claiming success in over 100 attacks. These assaults have is physically disableda vital global trade route. Forcing ships to detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, adding 11,000 nautical miles and 10-12 days to journeys. This has spiked transport costs by 30-40%, inflating global commodity prices.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The Red Sea, handling 12-15% of global trade worth nearly $1 trillion annually, is a critical link between Europe, Asia, and Africa via the Suez Canal. Houthi control over this route has:
- Increased Transit Times: Journeys that once took 15-20 days now require 35-40 days.
- Raised Costs: Shipping expenses have surged, exacerbating U.S. economic strain under Trump’s tariff policies.
- Disrupted Key Sectors:
- Energy: Middle Eastern oil and gas exports, especially from Saudi Arabia and UAE, face delays, driving up global fuel prices.
- Electronics: Delays in shipments from China, South Korea, and Japan disrupt tech supply chains.
- Textiles: South Asian garment exporters, including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, face order cancellations and price pressures.
U.S. Military Response and Challenges
Despite deploying advanced assets like B-2 stealth bombers and two aircraft carriers (USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Harry S. Truman) U.S. Navy has failed to curb Houthi attacks. From January 2024 to January 2025, U.S., UK, and allies conducted 931 airstrikes on Houthi targets, yet the group retains control.
Houthis’ sophisticated arsenal including ballistic missiles, drones, and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), supplied by Iran, can strike targets over 1,000 kilometers away. The National Interest reports that U.S. naval assets are ill-equipped for this asymmetric warfare, requiring years to adapt.
Houthi Motivations and Regional Dynamics
The Shia-based Houthi movement, fighting Yemen’s Saudi-backed government, positions itself as a resistance force against Israel and its allies. Their attacks aim to pressure Israel to halt Gaza operations and boost their regional influence.
Iran’s tacit support, including advanced weaponry and training, frames this as a proxy conflict. Houthis’ actions exploit the Red Sea’s strategic importance, historically significant in religious texts like the Quran and Bible, where Moses parted the sea.
Global Implications
The crisis highlights the influence of non-state actors like Houthis in global politics. Prolonged disruptions risk long-term instability in energy, technology, and textile markets.
Trump faces a dilemma: negotiate with Houthis or escalate military efforts with allies, both fraught with risks. U.S. airstrikes, like the April 17, 2025, attack on Ras Isa oil port killing 74, have drawn criticism for civilian casualties without deterring Houthis.
Outlook
The Red Sea remains a flashpoint, with no clear resolution. Houthis’ resilience, backed by Iran, challenges U.S. naval dominance and global trade stability.
Read more: Relentless Israeli Bombing on Gaza Civilians Continues as Ceasefire Talks Stall
Trump’s next moves—diplomacy or intensified strikes—will shape the region’s future and the world economy. For now Houthis hold a strategic edge, proving that even a non-state actor can disrupt superpower plans.
