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Houthis End Attacks On U.S & U.K Ships, Israeli-Linked Vessels Still At Risk
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have announced they will stop targeting ships linked to the United States and the United Kingdom in the Red Sea after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire agreement comes after more than a year of Houthi attacks that have severely impacted global shipping routes.
In an email issued on January 19, 2025, the Houthis through their Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) confirmed the lifting of sanctions on U.S. and U.K.-linked vessels, including those sailing under their flags.
However, the rebels made it clear that all ships associated with Israel remain banned from transiting the Arabian Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The Houthis warned that any new aggression against Yemen by the U.S., U.K., or Israel would lead to the reinstatement of sanctions. They added that attacks on Israeli-linked vessels would only cease once all phases of the ceasefire agreement are fully implemented.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on merchant vessels using drones and missiles.
These attacks have halved Red Sea shipping traffic and forced many vessels to divert around Africa’s southern tip via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs.
Shipping companies faced challenges like higher fuel consumption, insurance premiums, and wages for sailors operating in high-risk zones.
Egypt, which oversees the Suez Canal- a vital waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean suffered major revenue losses.
The Houthis have until now sunk two vessels, seized one, and killed at least four sailors. Currently, the Bahamas-flagged vessel Galaxy Leader and its 25 crew members remain in Houthi custody.
The crew comprising Bulgarians, Filipinos, Mexicans, Romanians, and Ukrainians, have reportedly gone through terrible conditions, with some requiring hospitalization for malaria.
Jakob Larsen, Chief Safety and Security Officer at BIMCO discussed the fragile nature of the ceasefire, warning that even minor violations could lead to renewed hostilities.
Shipping companies like Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd have adopted a wait-and-see approach, saying they will resume operations through the Red Sea only when safety is assured.
War-risk insurance premiums for voyages in the region have increased, with hundreds of thousands of dollars added to operational costs. Maritime security firm Ambrey said, “The coming weeks will show whether this promise translates into consistent action.”
There are speculations that the Trump administration in its second term could reapply the foreign terrorist organisation designation on the Houthis, a label revoked during President Joe Biden’s tenure. This could escalate tensions.
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has also warned that his group is prepared to resume attacks if Israel intensifies its blockade or military actions in Gaza.
The rebels claim they are ready to intervene immediately should the situation worsen.
Experts predict that tramp vessels will be the first to return, with liner shipping companies adjusting their routes if stability is maintained.
References: Bloomberg, Aljazeera
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