Russian Warships Enter Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks On Merchant Shipping

Russian Pacific Fleet warships have entered the Red Sea, passing via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, as Yemen’s Houthi militants continue to attack commercial vessels. This action complicates an already tense maritime region overcrowded with naval warships.

According to the state-run Tass news agency, the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov and the missile cruiser Varyag were among the Russian warships that entered the Red Sea. Although their ultimate destination and purpose are unknown, the warships are part of a long-range naval campaign.

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for several months as revenge for what they believe to be Israeli military activity in Gaza. Due to these disturbances, many vessels have had to reroute their routes.

The group has engaged with China and Russia, offering safe passage via the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in exchange for political support in international forums such as the United Nations Security Council.

Despite claiming to target ships associated with Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Houthis have mistakenly struck warships from other countries, including Russia and China.

The threats to shipping in the area are highlighted by recent occurrences like missiles detonating close to a Russian oil tanker and an attack on an oil tanker owned by China.

Most Western maritime companies have taken longer routes around southern Africa than crossing the strait. However, US and UK warships have begun attacking Houthi locations in Yemen to dissuade further attacks.

Iran, a country that backs the Houthis, has also deployed a spy ship close to the Red Sea, and a French warship is also active in the area.

Varyag and Marshal Shaposhnikov were among the ships that participated in joint naval exercises between China, Russia, and Iran earlier this month in the Indian Ocean. The goal of the exercises was to improve marine security, which included anti-piracy.

Russia is interested in creating a naval port on the Red Sea in Sudan, but civil war could postpone or disrupt these efforts.

The disruption of marine transportation caused by the attacks on commercial vessels has raised oil demand and the possibility of shortages later in the year. This situation affects the international commerce and energy markets.

The already intricate geopolitical dynamics in the area take on an additional aspect with the arrival of Russian warships in the Red Sea.

Reference: Times of Israel, Bloomberg

Russian Warships Enter Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks On Merchant Shipping appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News