In response to increasing attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas, merchant ships in the Red Sea are reportedly turning off tracking signals to avoid being targeted.
The Red Sea serves as a crucial trade route, connecting Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal. Approximately 12% of global trade passes through this region, according to the CEO of the German Shipowners’ Association.
Facing the threat of attacks, several container ships have opted to conceal their locations, with some broadcasting their destination as “ARMED GUARD ON BOARD,” as indicated by tracking websites. The Houthi rebels have targeted commercial vessels with drones and ballistic missiles, causing damage and prompting major shippers like BP, Evergreen, and Maersk to either reroute vessels or pause shipments.
To address the escalating problem, the Pentagon announced a new multinational initiative named “Operation Prosperity Guardian.” This initiative involves a task force comprising several European countries, including the UK and France.
The task force aims to protect ships navigating off the coast of Yemen, emphasising the need for collective international action in the face of this challenge.
