The pro-Iranian rebels Houthis of Yemen have declared that they will not stop the attacks on the ships of the Red Sea despite the US announcement of a new Maritime Protection Force. “Even if America manages to mobilize the entire world, our military operations will not stop, regardless of the sacrifices it will cost us,” the group’s senior official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said on X.
The attacks by Yemeni Houthi groups, supported by Iran, in the Red Sea: are one “threat” to international tradesaid the Pentagon.
Defense: the sending of the Italian ship to the Red Sea was brought forward
The dispatch of the European multi-mission frigate “Virgilio Fasan”, initially scheduled for next February in the European diplomatic and anti-piracy operation called “Atalanta”, has been brought forward to the next few days: on 24 December the ship should cross the Suez Canal . The decision – anticipated by “Repubblica” – emerged after a video connection in which the Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and the Defense Secretary of the United States of America, Lloyd Austin, participated regarding security in the Red Sea, where conducted mercantile attacks by the Houthis.
“Fears of rising oil prices due to Houthi attacks”
Attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea risk raising the price of oil and other goods, some analysts have warned, speaking to the BBC. Several shipping companies have suspended shipments through the Red Sea route in recent days after cargo ships and oil tankers were attacked by Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthis.
The world’s second-largest shipping company, Denmark’s Maersk, said today it will reroute some of its ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, despite the alternative route adding about 3,500 nautical miles to the journey and taking about 10 days longer . Yesterday the oil giant BP announced that it will temporarily suspend all shipments of crude oil through the Red Sea, while the other giant, Shell, has not yet disclosed how it intends to deal with the situation. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and liquefied natural gas, as well as consumer goods.
Who are the Houthi rebels?
In the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, a key player that has gained increasing international attention is the group known as the Houthis. Originating from Yementhis group has had a significant impact not only locally but also regionally, transforming itself from a small religious faction into a major political-military force.
Initially born as a religious and cultural movement, the Houthis, officially called “Ansar Allah” (Supporters of God), began to gain visibility in the early 2000s. Their roots date back to the Shia faction of Zaidism, prevalent in northern Yemen. However, over time, their agenda has expanded, encompassing broader political goals, including greater autonomy for their region and more equitable representation in Yemen’s government.
The role of the Houthis has become particularly prominent over the course of the Yemeni civil warwhich began in 2014. They took control of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, and other significant areas, challenging the internationally recognized government. This move provoked the intervention of a military coalition led bySaudi Arabiaheightening regional tensions.
The alleged person is also at the center of the discussions support of Iran to the Houthis, an accusation that has fueled further tensions between Iran and Sunni nations led by Saudi Arabia. Both the Houthis and Iran have denied any direct involvement, but this aspect continues to be a focal point in regional dynamics.
The conflict had a serious humanitarian impact in Yemen, described by the United Nations as one of the worst current humanitarian crises. This situation led to severe food shortages, cholera epidemics and a high number of civilian deaths.
Despite various attempts to peace negotiations, a lasting solution to the conflict still seems far away. The Houthis, as a major stakeholder, continue to play a central role in these mediation efforts, albeit with results still uncertain.