The Houthis’ Red Sea Attacks: A Multifaceted Motivation

The Houthis are a militant Islamist group in Yemen that has been attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea since November 2023 1. The group is also known as Ansar Allah, which means “supporters of God”. The Houthis are Shiite Muslims and have links to Iran. They control Yemen’s Red Sea coast, the country’s northwest, and the capital, Sana’a.

The Houthis’ motivations for attacking ships in the Red Sea are multifaceted. One reason is to show their support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel. The Houthis consider Israel an enemy and have warned all international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports. Another reason is to disrupt international trade and put pressure on the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the Houthis in Yemen since 2015. The Houthis have also been using the attacks to demand the release of Houthi prisoners held by the Saudi-led coalition.

The attacks have led to dozens of cargo ships being targeted by the Houthis since November 2023. The UK and US have responded with air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, and Australia has sent defense personnel to support their allies’ operational headquarters. The US and UK have also imposed sanctions on four leaders of the Houthi rebel group who have supported the militant group’s recent attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

In conclusion, the Houthis’ motivations for attacking ships in the Red Sea are complex and multifaceted. They are using the attacks to show their support for Hamas, disrupt international trade, and put pressure on the Saudi-led coalition. The attacks have led to dozens of cargo ships being targeted since November 2023, and the US and UK have imposed sanctions on Houthi leaders and responded with air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen.

The Houthis’ Red Sea Attacks: A Multifaceted Motivation

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