Yemen’s Houthis Extend Threat to Merchant Ships in Indian Ocean
Introduction: Recent events have highlighted a concerning escalation in maritime threats posed by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. According to maritime officials and experts, the Houthis have expanded their targeting of merchant ships well into the Indian Ocean, posing a significant risk to commercial vessels traversing key international shipping routes.
Key Points:
- The recent drone attack on the MSC Orion, which occurred on April 26, is indicative of the Houthis’ growing reach and capabilities. This attack, located between 300 to 400 nautical miles southeast of the Horn of Africa, signals a shift in their targeting strategy beyond the Red Sea.
- The Houthis had previously threatened to extend their attacks to the Indian Ocean, particularly targeting commercial vessels navigating between Asia and Europe around the Cape of Good Hope. This move has led many shipping companies to reroute their vessels to avoid the areas at risk.
- Jakob Larsen, head of maritime safety and security at Bimco, anticipates that certain shipping companies, especially those with ties to Israel, the US, or UK, will alter their routes to steer clear of the heightened threat posed by the Houthis.
- The MSC Orion, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was targeted by a drone, marking the first recognized attack on a commercial vessel in the north-west Indian Ocean by the Houthis.
- Reports suggest that MSC may be redirecting its vessels, such as the MSC Orion, to call at ports like Salalah in Oman to avoid potential risks associated with sailing past Iran.
Conclusion: The recent attacks on merchant ships by the Houthis in the Indian Ocean region underscore the need for heightened vigilance and security measures among maritime stakeholders. The ongoing threat not only affects shipping routes but also raises concerns about the safety and security of international maritime trade in the region.
