Pratik Bijlani –
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have increased their maritime operations, using drone boats loaded with explosives to target trade ships in the Red Sea. This smart shift in tactics poses substantial problems to maritime security, as these unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) strike with precision and from a distance, reducing the Houthis’ vulnerability to counterattacks.
The Houthis initially initiated aerial drone and missile strikes on the commerce route in November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have resulted in more than 70 incidents, including the loss of two ships, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least three seafarers. The Houthis have recently stepped up their strategy, utilising USVs in at least three attacks, which contributed to the loss of the Tutor cargo ship.
Dimitris Maniatis, CEO of Maritime Risk Managers MARISKS, stated that these USVs are a significant improvement in asymmetric warfare techniques. Since February, US-led coalition warships have carried out at least six defensive strikes against USVs. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two recent incidents in which Houthi swarming tactics, including several seaborne attack drones, targeted ships on June 27 and 30.
Munro Anderson, head of operations at marine war risk and insurance specialist Vessel Protect, speculated that the Houthis’ use of USVs was influenced by the successful deployment of similar devices by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea. Furthermore, some USVs are said to carry dummies dressed as pirates, which confuses mariners.
These attacks have had a considerable influence on the maritime insurance sector, with increased war risk premiums for vessels passing through the Red Sea reaching 0.7% of a ship’s worth, resulting in huge expenses. Chinese vessels, on the other hand, continue to have rates of 0.2% to 0.3% since they are viewed as less plausible targets.
In a recent incident, a Houthi drone boat attacked the Malta-flagged bulk freighter Seajoy off the coast of Hodeida. The UKMTO acknowledged the attack, stating that the vessel and crew were unharmed. Since November, the Houthi assault has attacked more than 60 vessels, murdering four sailors, capturing one, and sinking two.
The UN Security Council has requested that the Houthis cease all attacks on ships in the region, expressing the international community’s worry about the growing maritime security threat. The protracted violence continues to disrupt critical trade routes, posing serious threats to global shipping and maritime activities.
Marex Media