Houthi, Iranian, and Pirate Threats: Navigating High-Risk Waters in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean

Houthi forces have been conducting numerous attacks, including UAV, USV, and missile strikes, targeting commercial vessels with conditions on cessation that remain suspect, leading to ongoing risks.

MIDDLE EAST - Recent U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration MSCI Advisories and Office of Naval Intelligence reports on Houthi, Iranian, and pirate threats around the maritime areas encompassing the Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

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The waters of the Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden are currently facing significant security threats, despite the Houthi organization's declaration to cease attacks on vessels not wholly owned or flagged by Israel.

Houthi forces have been conducting numerous attacks, including UAV, USV, and missile strikes, targeting commercial vessels with conditions on cessation that remain suspect, leading to ongoing risks.

Maritime Security Chart Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. Credit: British Government, Crown Copyright.

Simultaneously, Iranian forces pose a threat of illegal boardings and detentions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, while piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom persist in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, with notable incidents involving the use of motherships.

U.S.-flagged vessels are advised to take precautionary measures such as turning off AIS transponders, avoiding certain areas close to coastlines, coordinating with naval forces, and considering armed security to mitigate these threats while ensuring safe passage and compliance with international maritime security protocols.

Summary of Maritime Security Concerns in the Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Indian Ocean, Full Report: