Houthis are launching more sophisticated attacks

Risk Intelligence assesses that the deployment of Water-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIEDs) by Houthi forces remains infrequent, largely due to the significant threat they pose to vessels, particularly at the waterline. Despite the Houthis claiming joint attacks on Israeli ports in the Mediterranean, these activities are tied more closely to the Axis of Resistance and lack a substantial maritime component, according to the report.

Israeli-owned vessels have faced severe threats since the onset of Houthi actions, prompting many to cease Red Sea transits. Consequently, the Houthis have broadened their potential targets to include vessels engaged in trade with Israel, sometimes acting on outdated information publicly available. 

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed on 26th June that they deployed a hypersonic missile of local development during an assault on a cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea earlier this week. The military and spokesperson for the Houthis have stated that they successfully launched a hypersonic missile for the first time, targeting an MSC containership in the Gulf of Aden. This follows a period of heightened activity and additional reports suggesting that the militants have introduced a new, faster, and more streamlined attack boat.

The Red Sea crisis began on October 19, 2023, when Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi movement), backed by Iran, launched missiles and armed drones at Israel, demanding an end to the Gaza Strip invasion. Subsequently, the Houthis have targeted numerous merchant and naval vessels in the Red Sea and faced retaliatory airstrikes from US and allied forces aimed at missile sites and other targets. This crisis is intertwined with the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Iran-Israel proxy rivalry, the Iran-US proxy conflict, and the ongoing Yemeni crisis.

One notable incident occurred on 12 June when the MV Tutor, a Liberia-flagged carrier, was attacked by Houthis using an unmanned surface vehicle and an anti-ship missile in the southern Red Sea. Tragically, one crew member lost their life, and the remaining crew had to abandon the ship, which subsequently sank about a week later. This incident underscores the grave risks faced by seafarers in the area. Earlier in the year, the MV True Confidence also fell victim to a Houthi attack, resulting in the deaths of three seafarers. 

Another major incident is the seizure of Galaxy Leader, where on November 19, while travelling through the Red Sea, armed attackers boarded the vessel, which remains under their control since then.

In early May 2024, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Houthis, announced the start of what he termed the “fourth stage” of their attacks. This escalation was in response to Israel’s military actions in southern Gaza.

For vessels associated with defensive operations like Prosperity Guardian or Operation Aspides, the threat level is relatively lower compared to those linked with countries involved in offensive actions against the Houthis. However, all commercial vessels in the area face a consistent threat level from potential misidentification or proximity to targeted ships and military engagements involving drones and missiles.

Given the dynamic nature of the situation, continuous monitoring of developments is crucial to adapt risk assessments promptly. Unfortunately, incidents are ongoing.