Why the Houthis are Attacking Ships in the Red Sea

The recent escalation of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea can be traced back to a complex web of political, religious, and regional conflicts. Understanding the reasons behind these attacks requires a dive into the historical and geopolitical contexts surrounding the conflict.

Historical Background of the Houthis

The Houthi movement, also known as Ansarallah (Supporters of God), emerged in the 1990s as a religious revival movement for Zaidism, a subsect of Shia Islam. Its founder, Hussein al-Houthi, aimed to resist radical Sunnism and represent Zaidis, especially against Wahhabi ideas from Saudi Arabia. This movement laid the groundwork for what would later become a significant political and military force in Yemen.

Yemen Civil War and Houthi Ascendancy

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when Houthi forces captured the capital, Sanaa, overthrowing the Saudi-backed government. This event spiraled into a broader conflict with a Saudi-led coalition intervening in 2015. Despite years of conflict, the coalition has not been able to dislodge the Houthis, who now control a significant portion of Yemen, including areas along the Red Sea.

Reasons for Attacking Ships in the Red Sea

1.   Support for Palestine: The Houthis have explicitly stated that their attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea are a show of support for the Palestinians and Hamas, especially in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. These attacks are seen as a form of retaliation and solidarity with their fellow Islamist group.

2.   Opposition to US and Israeli Influence: The Houthi movement opposes US and Israeli influence in the Middle East, with its slogan encapsulating a strong anti-Western and anti-Israel stance. This ideological position is a driving force behind their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting vessels they believe are associated with Israel or supporting its actions.

3.   Regional Politics and Alliances: The Houthis, backed by Iran, are part of a broader regional alliance that includes other groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This alliance often positions itself against Saudi Arabia, the US, and Israel. The Houthi attacks are thus part of a larger regional power play, with the Red Sea being a critical arena due to its strategic importance in global shipping and trade.

Consequences of the Attacks

The attacks have significantly disrupted international commerce, leading to rerouting of shipping lanes and increased costs. Major shipping companies have suspended transit through the Red Sea, and the global economy is feeling the impact of these disruptions. Moreover, there's a growing concern about the potential escalation of regional conflicts, involving other countries and possibly leading to a wider confrontation.

In summary, the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea are deeply rooted in the group's ideological stance, regional alliances, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Their actions reflect a broader struggle in the region, with significant implications for international trade and regional stability.