Houthi Attacks on International Shipping in Red Sea Dramatically Decrease, but Threats Persist
The Houthi militia in Yemen, which had been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea with missiles, drones, and boats, has seen a significant decrease in strikes in recent weeks.
No attacks have been claimed by the group since April 10.
Analysts suggest that the militia may be running out of weapons or that air strikes on their launchers by the US and UK may be a factor.
The Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks since November, targeting commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, with the stated goal of supporting Palestinians and allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
However, the number of reported strikes has declined in comparison to the early days of their campaign.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, which tracks shipping attacks, has reported no incidents in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden since April 7, marking one of the longest periods without reported attacks since the Houthi campaign began.
However, the US Central Command last reported intercepting Houthi missiles and drones on April 16, and the Houthis have threatened to escalate attacks on ships linked to or bound for Israel in response to perceived Israeli actions against Palestinians in Gaza.
An expert cautions that the recent lack of reported attacks does not guarantee a halt in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
A social media message from a military analyst suggests the decrease in daily missile attacks from the Houthis in Yemen could be due to strategic decisions or diplomatic talks, rather than operational inability.
The Houthis' missile stockpile may be diminishing, but drone production remains steady.
US and UK airstrikes may have targeted the Houthis' mobile missile launchers, making it difficult for them to launch attacks.
The Houthis may be settling into a war of attrition.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, held talks in Muscat with Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdul Sallam and Omani officials to explore ways to advance a UN-brokered peace plan and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Abdul Aziz Al-Bukair, a Houthi government minister, discussed recent negotiations with Saudi authorities and other issues, including wages for public-sector workers, reopening of key roads, and oil exports, with Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen.
However, the UN-led peace efforts to end the war in Yemen were negatively impacted when the Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea in November.
Analysts suggest that the militia may be running out of weapons or that air strikes on their launchers by the US and UK may be a factor.
The Houthis have launched hundreds of attacks since November, targeting commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, with the stated goal of supporting Palestinians and allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
However, the number of reported strikes has declined in comparison to the early days of their campaign.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, which tracks shipping attacks, has reported no incidents in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden since April 7, marking one of the longest periods without reported attacks since the Houthi campaign began.
However, the US Central Command last reported intercepting Houthi missiles and drones on April 16, and the Houthis have threatened to escalate attacks on ships linked to or bound for Israel in response to perceived Israeli actions against Palestinians in Gaza.
An expert cautions that the recent lack of reported attacks does not guarantee a halt in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
A social media message from a military analyst suggests the decrease in daily missile attacks from the Houthis in Yemen could be due to strategic decisions or diplomatic talks, rather than operational inability.
The Houthis' missile stockpile may be diminishing, but drone production remains steady.
US and UK airstrikes may have targeted the Houthis' mobile missile launchers, making it difficult for them to launch attacks.
The Houthis may be settling into a war of attrition.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, held talks in Muscat with Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdul Sallam and Omani officials to explore ways to advance a UN-brokered peace plan and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Abdul Aziz Al-Bukair, a Houthi government minister, discussed recent negotiations with Saudi authorities and other issues, including wages for public-sector workers, reopening of key roads, and oil exports, with Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen.
However, the UN-led peace efforts to end the war in Yemen were negatively impacted when the Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea in November.
Translation:
Translated by AI
