The Red Sea is a strategic maritime corridor, linking Asia and Europe through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal, and plays a vital role for global trade and energy transit. Since late 2023, security has sharply deteriorated due to Houthi maritime attacks supported by Iran. Using hybrid tactics, the Houthis have targeted commercial and military vessels, disrupting supply chains and forcing costly rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Such diversions, which add up to two weeks to transit times, increase fuel consumption and reduce Suez Canal revenues. International responses include multinational operations combining defensive measures with offensive strikes. While these efforts have reduced the attack frequency, sporadic incidents persist, illustrating the complexity of hybrid asymmetric maritime warfare and the ability of non-state actors to challenge superior naval forces by using low-cost tools and advanced technologies. The crisis underscores chokepoint vulnerability and the need for adaptive, multi-domain strategies integrating intelligence, surveillance and layered defence, as well as diplomacy and development to safeguard freedom of navigation and to ensure long-term stability.

Download e-Note 83

Research lines: Middle East and North Africa; Non-Arab Muslim World

USS Carney Engages Houthi Missiles and UAVs. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau.
Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8082818/uss-carney-engages-houthi-missiles-and-uavs
https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright

e-Note 83

Red Sea Under Siege: Navigating Houthi Havoc and Strategic Responses

Anahita SABOURI &
Captain (N) (ret.) GS Christophe COLONVAL