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Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/06/15/yemen-houthi-rebels-red-sea-international-trade
Undeterred Houthi Attacks Squeeze International Trade
(Axios) Colin Demarest - Drone and missile barrages launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen are holding hostage a vital commercial waterway, delaying humanitarian aid and imposing millions of dollars of extra costs. U.S. and allied firepower has failed to stem the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden attacks, which are bolstered by an Iranian regime eager to arm its proxies. Container shipping through the Red Sea had declined by 90% by February. Alternate routes around Africa tack on 11,000 nautical miles, up to two weeks of travel time and $1 million in fuel. More than a dozen commercial ships were struck between November and March. The Houthis initially said the attacks were in retaliation to Israel's war in Gaza. But many of the targets have had no affiliation with Israel. The U.S. Navy has so far expended $1 billion in munitions as it contends with the attacks.