Houthis Threaten Greek Shipping Companies in Red Sea Campaign

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has escalated into a new phase, particularly affecting maritime activities in the Red Sea. Recently, the Iranian-backed Houthi militia has issued stern warnings to shipowners, particularly targeting Greek shipping companies. This alarming development comes as the Houthis have intensified their military campaign, threatening vessels that they claim violate their imposed transit bans.

In a recent incident, a senior executive at a Greek shipping company received a chilling email warning that one of their vessels, which had docked at an Israeli port, was at risk of being attacked. The message, sent by the Yemen-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), stated that the ship would be "directly targeted by the Yemeni Armed Forces in any area they deem appropriate." This email was not an isolated case; it marked the beginning of a series of increasingly threatening communications directed at multiple Greek shipping firms.

Since November, the Houthis have conducted nearly 100 attacks on ships traversing the Red Sea, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their aggressive tactics have included sinking vessels, seizing ships, and even resulting in the deaths of seafarers. The recent emails have escalated the situation, as they now threaten entire fleets rather than just individual vessels, raising the stakes for shipping companies operating in the region.

The Houthis have been known to fire missiles and launch armed drones at commercial ships linked to Israeli, US, and UK interests. However, the recent email campaign indicates a broader targeting strategy, as Greek-owned ships, which constitute a significant portion of the global shipping fleet, have come under fire despite having little or no connection to Israel.

In light of these threats, many shipping companies are reconsidering their routes. Traffic through the Suez Canal has dramatically decreased, with transits dropping from around 2,000 per month to approximately 800 in August. This shift highlights the growing concern among shipowners regarding the safety of their vessels in the Red Sea.

The European Union’s naval force, Aspides, has acknowledged the changing tactics of the Houthis. In a recent closed-door meeting, they informed shipping companies that the Houthis' decision to extend threats to entire fleets marks the beginning of a "fourth phase" in their military campaign. Aspides has advised shipowners to turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, which could potentially reduce the accuracy of Houthi missile strikes.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with Iran recently launching over 180 missiles at Israel, the situation remains precarious. The Houthis' email campaign, which began earlier this year, has evolved from initial warnings to explicit threats of sanctions against entire fleets. This shift underscores the urgent need for shipping companies to reassess their operations in the Red Sea.

The maritime landscape in the Red Sea is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the Houthi militia's aggressive tactics. Shipowners must remain vigilant and consider the implications of these threats on their operations. As geopolitical tensions escalate, the safety of maritime routes will be paramount, and companies may need to adapt their strategies to navigate these turbulent waters effectively.