The Motivations Behind Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Ships
In recent months, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on ships in the Red Sea, targeting vessels bound for Israel. The primary motivation behind these attacks appears to be the Houthis’ support for Hamas, with a clear announcement that any ship sailing to Israel would be a target. This surge in hostilities commenced after the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel in early October.
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The initial successful attempt involved the seizure of a cargo ship destined for Israel in November, followed by a series of subsequent attacks utilizing ballistic missiles and drones on cargo ships. According to a BBC report, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea spiked by 500% between November and December, prompting several major commercial companies to halt cargo shipments to the region. Consequently, cargo costs have surged tenfold since December.
While superficially viewed as Houthi actions backed by Iran to showcase military prowess, a more plausible motive could be the garnering of domestic support. By positioning themselves as a formidable force challenging Israel, the Houthis aim to unite Yemenis and neutralize rival groups. This strategy becomes particularly significant as other Arab nations have not taken a strong stance against Israel, enhancing the Houthis’ regional standing.
FILE PHOTO: The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY/File Photo
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A container ship crosses the Gulf of Suez towards the Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal, in Al-‘Ain al-Sokhna, in Suez, Egypt, July 30, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
In light of Saudi Arabia’s support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government, the aggressive Houthi stance has the potential to politically disadvantage Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the attacks may have wider geopolitical implications, possibly benefiting Israel by escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. On the flip side, these attacks could strengthen Iran’s negotiating position on regional conflicts, including Tehran’s nuclear program, by leveraging various proxies.
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END NOTE: The Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships have complex motivations, encompassing support for Hamas, domestic political considerations, and potential geopolitical advantages for both Iran and Israel. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the evolving situation in the region.
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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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