The Houthi rebels in Yemen announced they would limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships, following a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC), which liaises between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators, specified that it was stopping “sanctions” against vessels owned by United States and British entities, as well as ships sailing under the two countries’ flags.
The Houthis’ announcement was first made in an email sent to shipping industry officials and others late Sunday (Jan. 19). The HOCC also said the Houthis would only stop targeting Israeli-linked ships “upon the full implementation of all phases of the agreement”.
Angered by Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023. The rebel group has also sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers.
Sunday’s announcement comes amid significant disruption to global maritime commerce, forcing ships to reroute around Africa. This alternative route significantly increased costs and transit times, with some estimates putting daily shipping losses in the millions. The impact was particularly felt in the transportation of goods between Asia and Europe.
While the ceasefire offers a chance for the resumption of normal trade, shipowners and logistics experts caution that it may take months for shipping trajectories to stabilize. Shipping giants like AP Møller-Maersk are wary of the fragile nature of the truce and the risks associated with potential reignition of hostilities.
Reuters quoted Jakob Larsen, chief safety & security officer with shipping association BIMCO, as saying on Monday (Jan. 20) that “assuming the ceasefire holds and the U.S. also refrains from using force, shipping companies are expected to gradually resume operations through the Red Sea.”
The decision by the Houthis to limit attacks highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region and their impact on global trade. As the situation stabilizes, international attention will focus on ensuring long-term security in the Red Sea corridor.