Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have led shipping companies to divert their routes, causing delays and increased costs. Since November 2021, there have been 26 reported attacks by the Houthi rebels, who have targeted both commercial and military vessels. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
The recent attack on a Houthi drone by the USS Laboon highlights the ongoing threat posed by the rebels. The Houthi missiles are believed to originate from Iran, as an Iranian frigate in the Red Sea is equipped with anti-ship missiles. The international shipping companies, including Mediterranean, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, have decided to take alternative routes to avoid the dangerous waters.