Red Sea
Red Sea: a global shipping chokepoint under Houthi pressure and naval surveillance
The Red Sea is a major maritime route centred on the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. Since late 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen have attacked commercial vessels, saying they were targeting ships linked to Israel. Rerouting around Africa, lower Suez traffic and higher war-risk insurance have raised costs. In 2026, claims describe a blockade focused on Saudi shipping and oil exports, while reported assurances exempt other vessels.
EU states have patrolled since 2024 under Operation Aspides, mainly with three Italian and Greek ships. In September 2026, Kaja Kallas said the mission raised alert levels and sought more vessels and air assets. The US says it prioritises freedom of navigation and China reportedly sought safe passage for its tankers. Reporting is mixed on the blockade's scope and effect. Saudi-Sudan maritime and seabed-resource arrangements remain unresolved.
- Bab el-Mandeb is the focal chokepoint for Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping.
- Houthi attacks since late 2023 drove rerouting around Africa and reduced Suez traffic.
- 2026 claims centre on a Saudi shipping blockade, with reported exemptions for other vessels.
- Operation Aspides has patrolled since 2024; its alert level and requested force size rose in September 2026.
- Saudi Arabia and Sudan have an unresolved maritime boundary despite a 1974 shared-resource agreement.
Synthesised from 40 sourced claims across our published briefings.
The complete claim-by-claim ledger for Red Sea — every sourced report with its Admiralty grade, confidence, and the briefs that cited it — is on the Analyst plan.
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