Date: August 25, 2024

Overview: On August 21, 2024, the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion was set ablaze and left drifting in the Red Sea following a suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The incident, which took place approximately 140 kilometers west of the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port city of Hodeida, involved small arms fire and four projectiles hitting the vessel. The crew, consisting of 23 Filipinos and 2 Russians, was successfully rescued by the European Union’s naval mission "Aspides." This marks one of the most severe incidents in a series of maritime attacks conducted by the Houthis since the escalation of the Gaza conflict.

Analysis: The attack on the Sounion is part of a broader and increasingly successful campaign by the Houthis targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, a critical maritime route that handles over $1 trillion in trade annually. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, the Houthis have intensified their maritime assaults, targeting over 80 vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, with missiles and drones. These attacks, which are frequently aimed at ships perceived to be linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom, have significantly disrupted maritime traffic and posed substantial risks to global trade.

The Houthis have demonstrated an ability to effectively challenge major naval powers by leveraging asymmetric warfare tactics, such as the use of drones, small boats, and missiles, which complicate traditional maritime defense strategies. The attack on the Sounion is the latest in a series of assaults targeting vessels associated with Delta Tankers, a Greek shipping company, suggesting a possible strategic focus on disrupting oil transportation specifically.

Despite the deployment of advanced U.S. and EU naval assets in the region, including carrier strike groups and missile submarines, the Houthis have continued to carry out these operations with considerable success. Their ability to evade interception and inflict damage on ships underscores both their tactical adaptability and the limitations of current maritime security measures.

The continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea not only heightens the risk of a broader military confrontation but also threatens to destabilize an already volatile region. The international community’s response, thus far, has involved increasing military presence and bolstering defensive measures; however, the persistence of these attacks indicates a need for more comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of the conflict and the capabilities of groups like the Houthis.

As tensions between Iran and Israel rise, especially following incidents like the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the likelihood of further Houthi attacks remains high. This situation highlights the complex interplay between regional conflicts and global trade security, demanding coordinated international efforts to mitigate these threats and ensure the safe passage of vessels through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.