Saudi Arabia: Coalition forces intercept and destroy two booby-trapped Al-Houthi vessels in the southern Red Sea March 23

Event

Saudi-led coalition forces reportedly intercepted and destroyed two booby-trapped vessels in the southern Red Sea March 23. The coalition claimed that Al-Houthi rebels had attempted to launch the vessels from Yemen's Al-Hudaydah Governorate to attack oil tankers in the southern Red Sea that had crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Al-Houthi rebels may make additional attempts to carry out attacks in the Red Sea over the near term. Saudi authorities will likely increase naval and aerial surveillance in the region over the coming days. The incident could also prompt heightened security measures and short-term disruptions to shipping and other maritime transport in the area.

Context

Saudi authorities have condemned Al-Houthi activities in the Red Sea as a threat to navigation and global trade. Commercial and military ships have previously come under attack off the coast of Yemen as an extension of the continuing conflict in that country. A large international force composed of EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) surface combat vessels, auxiliary ships, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as naval assets from a range of countries - including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia - conduct counterpiracy operations in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the southern Red Sea. The presence of international forces has significantly reduced maritime incidents in these areas since the problem peaked in 2011, but the civil war in Yemen has created new security challenges, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, the southern Red Sea, and the heavily trafficked Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight via or near the Red Sea.