The American news site Axios reported on Saturday, citing a US intelligence report, that the combined firepower of the United States and its allies has failed to stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The US intelligence report confirmed that the interests of more than 65 countries have been affected, while 29 major shipping and energy companies have altered their vessels’ routes.
The report highlighted that the US Navy has spent up to $1 billion so far to counter Houthi missiles and drones. The same source indicated that container shipping through the Red Sea has decreased by nearly 90% as of mid-February 2024. It is noteworthy that this passage typically accounts for 10% to 15% of international maritime trade.
Additionally, insurance premiums for crossing have risen to 1% of the total value of the ship within the same timeframe. The US intelligence report details that the alternative routes ships now take around Africa span approximately 11,000 nautical miles, adding up to two weeks of travel time and an additional $1 million in fuel costs.
The source also noted that more than 12 commercial ships were bombed between November 2023 and March 2024, with a few attempts of hijacking reported.
The report also points out that the US Navy has spent up to $1 billion on munitions to counter ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and explosive drones in the region. Despite many attacks failing or being intercepted, the report concludes that the Houthi stockpiles do not appear to be running low, even as intermittent US and British strikes against them continue.
Commenting on the report’s content, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a researcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that it is as much a political problem as it is a military one.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea linked to Israel or heading to its ports, in support of Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing war since October 7, 2023.
Washington leads an international naval coalition aimed at “protecting” maritime navigation in this strategic region, through which 12% of global trade passes. To deter the Houthis, US and British forces have been conducting strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since January 12, 2024.