THE global shipping crisis worsened as Houthi militants ramp up attacks on maritime security in the Red Sea.
Dryad Global’s Maritime Security Threat Advisory highlights incidents that underscore the escalating danger in this critical shipping corridor.
On August 15, Sinbad Navigation, a private maritime security contractor, reported a close encounter between its barge, SIAM, and two Houthi boats. One of the boats was armed, but the situation did not escalate into conflict. Despite this, the encounter raised significant concerns among shipping companies operating in the region.
Photo taken on March 6, 2024, shows the Indian Navy rescuing the crew of a Bardabos flagged vessel attacked by Yemen Based Houthi rebels. Problems caused by Houthi rebels has intensified lately and has randomly targeted ships in the area. The problem has affected Fiipino seafarers. AFP PHOTO
Just hours later, another incident occurred involving the Chinese private maritime security company Sinoguards.
Their floating armory, Sunny Ocean, was attacked by vessels claiming to be “the navy.” The crew fired warning shots to repel the attackers, and an Italian warship was dispatched to assist, highlighting the escalating threats faced by maritime operations.
The Houthis, despite promising safe passage to Chinese and Russian interests, have targeted vessels from both countries. China’s significant military presence in Djibouti has not led to direct intervention, leaving Western governments to manage the response.
The attacks on floating armories, which provide armed guards for commercial vessels, signal a troubling shift in Houthi tactics. Previously, armed guards on commercial vessels successfully thwarted multiple Houthi attacks using unmanned surface vessels.
“This new harassment of the floating armories suggests that the Houthis intend to deny armed guards to commercial shipping to increase the effectiveness of their attacks,” according to Dryad Global’s advisory.
The Red Sea’s strategic importance as a global shipping route makes these developments particularly alarming.
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