Who are the Houthis and why do they attack ships transiting the Red Sea?

He International Trade He is a victim of war. A few days ago, freight ships in the Red Sea were attacked by rebels Yemen Houthis causing shipping companies and oil companies temporarily suspend their transit through said route. But what is the interest of the Houthis? Why do they attack? Who supports or finances them? And what relationship does it have with the conflict in Gaza? in Management explains the context.

The Red Sea is a crucial shipping lane for the merchandise transports; and it is that, More than 15% of maritime trade passes through these waters. This is because it is the shortest route unlike the Suez Canal to the north or the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb to the south. However, it has been attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Who are Yemen’s Houthi rebels?

The Houthis in Yemen are part of the so-called axis of resistance, that is, an alliance of groups in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Iraq, which are backed or supported by Iran (one of the countries that opposes Israel and the United States).

According to information from international media, Iran has been accused of arming, training and financing the Houthis, however, the rebel group denies being an ally of Tehran (Iran’s capital).

The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. In additions, have been waging a civil war against the internationally recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia.

Why did the Houthis start their attack in the Red Sea?

The Houthis support the Palestinians in Gaza. The attack on ships on a key trade route, It is a way to generate pressure on the West, which are allies of Israel. Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Houthis, declared that this action is due to the fact that Israel did not comply with the truce for attacks in the Gaza Strip.

“Yemeni forces will continue their operations against Israel until the aggression against our brave brothers in Gaza ceases.””, declared.

Furthermore, this group is sending missiles and drones towards Israel, so it arouses the anger of Saudi Arabiasince said attack crosses Saudi airspace, in that sense, It is also likely to intervene in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

What is the United States doing to defend its allies?

USAan ally of Israel and Saudi Arabia, announced that will respond with military arsenal to the Houthi attacks and asked the German navy for support. “We are preparing an international coalition to confront this threat” announced Lloyd J. Austin, US Secretary of Defense.

In detail, the Secretary of Defense mentioned that this mission will be commanded by the Combined Maritime Forcesa multinational alliance dedicated to defending the international maritime routes, such as the Red Sea, the Strait of Bab el Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden.

In addition, he assured that nine other countries will participate: Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Seychelles and Spain.

Why may jet fuel be affected?

The merchandise most exposed by the collapse of the Red Sea. One third (15%) of the world’s jet fuel passes through this route, well above other fuel derivatives. Petroleumlike diesel or gasoline.

Also, other cargoes such as grain and oilseeds – for oil extraction– (more than 10%), coal (around 7-8%) or iron ore (approximately 2-3%) and gasoline (5%).

And the tension in the area has skyrocketed the price of crude oil. According to Investing.com, on Monday (when the Houthi attack occurred) the futures of the US crude oil was trading 2.8% higher at US$73.7 a barrel, and the Brent crude oil contract was up 2.9% at US$78.7 a barrel.