The security situation in the Red Sea region has recently become tense due to a series of Houthi attacks. Since mid-November 2023, the Houthis have expanded their strike to target "Israeli-related" vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks led to attacks on a number of cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and its adjacent waters, triggering international shipping companies to suspend container ship sailing in the region.
The U.S. military responded by sinking three Houthi ships and killing 10 militants in the Red Sea. The Houthis are accused of trying to board Singaporean-flagged container ships and carrying out attacks with small arms. These actions demonstrate a shift in tactics by the Houthis, which not only attack military targets but also threaten civilian vessels, posing a serious challenge to the security of international shipping.
In order to ensure the safety of merchant ships, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the formation of an escort alliance that includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. These countries will work together to maintain security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through joint patrols and intelligence support.
The UN Security Council also adopted a resolution strongly condemning Houthi attacks on merchant and cargo ships and demanding that they immediately cease such acts. The resolution stresses the importance of addressing fundamental issues, including the mitigation of regional conflicts and threats to maritime security, in order to ensure a prompt, effective and coordinated response by the international community.
These Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have not only affected the security and stability of the region, but also had a major impact on international shipping. The international community is taking measures to maintain security in the Red Sea region, but addressing the root causes of conflict and tension also needs to address the root causes of conflict and tension in order to address the root causes. Only in this way can long-term peace and security in the Red Sea region be ensured.