Yemen’s Houthi rebels have intensified their maritime offensive in the Red Sea, targeting commercial shipping as part of their ongoing conflict linked to the Gaza war. In two recent incidents, the rebels sank the MV Tutor on July 12, 2023, resulting in one sailor’s death, and the MV Verbena, where three sailors were killed in a missile strike. These attacks have raised significant concerns within the global shipping industry, leading to increased insurance premiums and freight costs.
This escalation of hostilities highlights a strategic shift in Houthi capabilities and ambitions. Analysts note that these actions are indicative of a broader maritime insurgency, raising alarms among key international players, including Washington and Jerusalem. According to Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, the Houthis have demonstrated resilience against traditional deterrence measures, posing challenges for external military responses.
Impact on Global Trade and Security
The recent attacks have prompted the United States Department of State to label these actions as “unprovoked” aggression. The sinking of the two vessels has caused a spike in war-risk insurance, making routes through the Red Sea considerably more expensive for shipping companies. Control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint, allows the Houthis to exert influence far beyond Yemen, potentially disrupting global trade flows.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, the United States has launched over 1,000 air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen as part of Operation Rough Rider. Despite inflicting damage, these strikes have not significantly hindered the Houthis’ operational capabilities. A ceasefire brokered by Washington on May 6, 2025, aimed to halt attacks on American vessels, yet the truce collapsed shortly thereafter, with hostilities resuming quickly.
Experts express concerns that the Houthi rebels view their maritime operations as an effective means of asymmetric warfare. Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former UK ambassador to Yemen, emphasized that shipping companies are risk-averse, meaning even minor threats could deter them from utilizing strategic routes like the Suez Canal.
Modern Maritime Insurgency and Regional Implications
The Houthis have claimed their attacks target Israeli and U.S. interests, yet data indicates their operations have become increasingly indiscriminate, affecting vessels with little to no connection to Western powers. In a bid to signal neutrality, some ship captains are marking their vessels with messages such as “ALL MUSLIM CREW.” The sophistication of Houthi attacks has raised alarm among intelligence officials, who note that U.S. airstrikes have failed to diminish their resolve or capabilities.
According to Rose Kelanic, Director of the Middle East Program at Defense Priorities, the group has effectively adapted to U.S. military tactics, utilizing inexpensive drones and maintaining supply lines that make them difficult to target. Iran’s support for the Houthis has reportedly deepened, with enhanced technological capabilities enabling more precise attacks.
As Iran’s influence over other militant groups wanes, the Houthis have emerged as a key player in Iran’s regional strategy. Their access to medium-range ballistic missiles and advanced weaponry positions them as a significant challenge to U.S. and allied interests in the region. Fitton-Brown noted that Tehran remains committed to supporting the Houthis, viewing them as a vital proxy amid regional tensions.
Looking forward, the ongoing situation in the Red Sea poses a complex dilemma for international actors. The Houthis, buoyed by Iranian support and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, show no signs of de-escalating. Experts suggest that the group is not only seeking leverage but also legitimacy through their maritime campaign.
Taleblu pointed out that while the Houthis have aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause, this should not deter Western powers from taking necessary actions to protect their interests. Fitton-Brown outlined two potential strategies for deterring the Houthis: holding Iran accountable for Houthi actions and building coalitions with regional partners to tip the balance of the civil war against the Houthis.
Alternatively, Kelanic argues that addressing the root cause of the conflict requires pressure on Israel to cease its operations in Gaza, as this is central to the Houthis’ motivations for their attacks. The situation in the Red Sea represents a critical juncture in understanding the evolving dynamics of regional conflict and global shipping security. As hostilities continue, the Houthis have established themselves as architects of a modern maritime insurgency, with profound implications for international trade and geopolitical stability.
