Concerns Rise as Majority of US Ships Avoid Suez Canal Amid Houthi Attacks

Recent reports indicate that a significant portion of US-flagged vessels are steering clear of the Suez Canal due to ongoing attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea. According to US officials, approximately 75% of these ships are opting for the longer and costlier route around the southern tip of Africa rather than risking passage through the canal, which is a vital artery for global trade.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz highlighted the severity of the situation during an interview with CBS, mentioning that the last time a US destroyer traversed the strait, it faced multiple attacks--specifically 23 incidents. These assaults are attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi group, which has been actively targeting maritime traffic in the region.

Waltz also discussed the implications of recent US airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, asserting that these operations were aimed at dismantling key leadership within the militia, including the head of their missile program. The US has reportedly targeted critical infrastructure, such as command centers and drone production facilities, in a bid to mitigate the threat posed by the Houthis.

The current administration criticized the previous government for its limited military response to Houthi aggression, suggesting that a more robust approach is necessary to restore security to one of the world's most important shipping routes. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, the Houthi militia has escalated its attacks, not only on vessels in the Red Sea but also launching missiles towards Israel.

The repercussions of these actions are significant, as the Houthi group controls substantial territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. Their operations have caused major shipping companies to redirect their routes, affecting around 12% of global maritime trade that typically passes through the Suez Canal.

In response to the escalating violence, both the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted military actions against Houthi installations in Yemen, aiming to curtail the threat to international maritime operations.

Analysts have noted that the Houthis, alongside groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, are part of a broader Iranian-led coalition that opposes the United States and Israel. Their stated objective includes the eradication of Israel, and their maritime attacks are framed as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas-triggered conflict that began in October 2023.