Tensions in the Red Sea are escalating as Iran-backed Houthis intensify their attacks on commercial and military vessels. Daniel Shapiro, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, issued an urgent plea for an international coalition during the IISS security dialogues in Bahrain on December 8, 2023.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, more than 130 attacks have been attributed to the Houthis in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. These acts, claimed as support for the Palestinian cause, have significantly disrupted maritime commerce, increasing insurance costs and forcing many ships to reroute around Africa to avoid high-risk zones.
A Necessary Coalition
Shapiro emphasized that only a coordinated approach integrating military and economic tools can reduce the Houthis’ offensive capabilities. The United States is calling for heightened cargo inspections and strengthened sanctions. However, current efforts, including multinational naval missions led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, have not sufficed to curb these growing threats.
According to a recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Houthis’ military capabilities continue to advance, with improved weapons range and precision. Despite targeted operations against key bases and infrastructure in Yemen, the attacks persist.
Regional and Economic Impacts
The economic impact of these attacks extends to multiple coastal nations. Egypt, in particular, has faced a significant loss in Suez Canal revenues, estimated at $2 billion. With a currency under severe devaluation, the country is struggling to meet domestic energy demands and offset these losses.
Strategic rerouting of maritime traffic, such as bypassing the Cape of Good Hope, has also affected other regional ports, including those in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Jordan. While global supply chains have shown resilience, these disruptions underline the urgency of a coordinated response.
Bahrain’s Growing Role
Among Arab states, Bahrain is the only country to have joined military actions alongside the United States and the United Kingdom under the multinational “Prosperity Garden” operation. This mobilization is part of a strategic partnership deepened by the C-SIPA agreement signed in September 2023 between Washington and Manama. Beyond reinforcing maritime security, this agreement enabled the approval of $500 million in funding for key energy projects by Bahrain’s national oil company, Bapco.
The C-SIPA agreement, designed as an open alliance, may welcome new members, starting with the United Kingdom, which joined on December 7, 2023. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, described the agreement as a model for enhanced regional cooperation against security challenges.
