Houthi Claims Targeting U.S. Aircraft Carrier with 18 Missiles and Drones
U.S. military operations raise concerns over escalating tensions in the Red Sea impacting global shipping routes.
The recent U.S. military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen have generated questions regarding their effectiveness in curbing the armed group's maritime attacks in the Red Sea.
Concerns have emerged from Egypt regarding the potential for increased tensions in the region, which could result in prolonged disruptions to shipping traffic and a further decline in revenues for the Suez Canal.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a decisive military response against the Houthis following their declaration to resume attacks on Israeli vessels traversing the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
This decision came after a period of relative calm that began in January 2023 with a ceasefire in Gaza.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza and intentions to disrupt navigation for ships associated with Israel as well as American and British vessels.
The latest U.S. strikes represent the largest military operation in the Middle East under Trump's administration, coinciding with increased U.S. sanctions targeting Iran while attempting to engage Tehran in negotiations over its nuclear program.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that military operations against the Houthis would continue until there was a halt to attacks on maritime vessels and assets, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to securing vital waterways.
Egyptian military experts have expressed skepticism about the potential for U.S. strikes to alleviate tensions in the Red Sea.
Retired General Samir Farag indicated that while such operations may weaken the Houthis, they would not eliminate them.
He highlighted that any military escalation in the Red Sea adversely impacts navigation and poses a significant threat to the Suez Canal, which has already been negatively affected by current conditions.
Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Haridi echoed these sentiments, asserting that U.S. military actions increase regional tensions.
He suggested that the Houthis operate under Iranian influence and that the recent strikes may be part of a broader negotiation strategy between Washington and Tehran.
Egyptian authorities have previously signaled that regional instability directly affects Suez Canal operations.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a meeting in December 2024 where it was noted that revenues from the canal had plummeted by over 60 percent compared to 2023, indicating an estimated loss of approximately $7 billion in 2024 due to ongoing regional turmoil in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
Security expert General Mohamed Abdel Wahed posited that the U.S. strikes would exacerbate maritime tension, prompting shipping companies to seek alternative routes that may compromise the traffic through the Suez Canal.
He underscored that while U.S. strikes might influence Houthi behavior, complete eradication of their capabilities is unlikely.
Egyptian blogger Loay Alkhteeb remarked on social media that U.S. engagement signals the potential for a protracted conflict in the Red Sea that could threaten remaining navigational freedoms.
He identified two possible outcomes that could lead to a swift resolution: either a significant degradation of Houthi military capabilities or a willingness from Iran to negotiate as proposed by Trump.
In light of these developments, the head of the Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, convened a video conference meeting with the CEO of the shipping line MSC, Soren Toft, to discuss the implications of the precarious situation in the Red Sea on global shipping traffic.
Rabie emphasized the authority's commitment to maintaining communication with clients and adapting to current challenges.
He conveyed aspirations to enhance cooperation and find mutually beneficial operational strategies in response to emergent conditions.
He assured that the Suez Canal had maintained uninterrupted service and sought to innovate its offerings, including expanded maritime safety services not previously provided.
Toft acknowledged his interest in closely monitoring developments in the region and expressed hope for a lasting resolution to foster stability, praising the Suez Canal's ability to navigate current challenges while fulfilling customer needs.
He noted that the route around the Cape of Good Hope was not the preferred alternative for MSC, citing its lack of maritime services and safety concerns that necessitate caution.
He reiterated the desire for a return to stability in the region to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic through the Suez Canal.
The situation has drawn criticism from Egyptian media figures.
Journalist Ahmed Moussa highlighted that Houthi attacks have compelled roughly 60 percent of vessels to reroute to the Cape of Good Hope instead of utilizing the Suez Canal, underscoring the economic ramifications for Egypt, which has reportedly lost $7 billion in revenue over the past eleven months due to these maritime threats.
Concerns have emerged from Egypt regarding the potential for increased tensions in the region, which could result in prolonged disruptions to shipping traffic and a further decline in revenues for the Suez Canal.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a decisive military response against the Houthis following their declaration to resume attacks on Israeli vessels traversing the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
This decision came after a period of relative calm that began in January 2023 with a ceasefire in Gaza.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza and intentions to disrupt navigation for ships associated with Israel as well as American and British vessels.
The latest U.S. strikes represent the largest military operation in the Middle East under Trump's administration, coinciding with increased U.S. sanctions targeting Iran while attempting to engage Tehran in negotiations over its nuclear program.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that military operations against the Houthis would continue until there was a halt to attacks on maritime vessels and assets, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to securing vital waterways.
Egyptian military experts have expressed skepticism about the potential for U.S. strikes to alleviate tensions in the Red Sea.
Retired General Samir Farag indicated that while such operations may weaken the Houthis, they would not eliminate them.
He highlighted that any military escalation in the Red Sea adversely impacts navigation and poses a significant threat to the Suez Canal, which has already been negatively affected by current conditions.
Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Haridi echoed these sentiments, asserting that U.S. military actions increase regional tensions.
He suggested that the Houthis operate under Iranian influence and that the recent strikes may be part of a broader negotiation strategy between Washington and Tehran.
Egyptian authorities have previously signaled that regional instability directly affects Suez Canal operations.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a meeting in December 2024 where it was noted that revenues from the canal had plummeted by over 60 percent compared to 2023, indicating an estimated loss of approximately $7 billion in 2024 due to ongoing regional turmoil in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
Security expert General Mohamed Abdel Wahed posited that the U.S. strikes would exacerbate maritime tension, prompting shipping companies to seek alternative routes that may compromise the traffic through the Suez Canal.
He underscored that while U.S. strikes might influence Houthi behavior, complete eradication of their capabilities is unlikely.
Egyptian blogger Loay Alkhteeb remarked on social media that U.S. engagement signals the potential for a protracted conflict in the Red Sea that could threaten remaining navigational freedoms.
He identified two possible outcomes that could lead to a swift resolution: either a significant degradation of Houthi military capabilities or a willingness from Iran to negotiate as proposed by Trump.
In light of these developments, the head of the Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, convened a video conference meeting with the CEO of the shipping line MSC, Soren Toft, to discuss the implications of the precarious situation in the Red Sea on global shipping traffic.
Rabie emphasized the authority's commitment to maintaining communication with clients and adapting to current challenges.
He conveyed aspirations to enhance cooperation and find mutually beneficial operational strategies in response to emergent conditions.
He assured that the Suez Canal had maintained uninterrupted service and sought to innovate its offerings, including expanded maritime safety services not previously provided.
Toft acknowledged his interest in closely monitoring developments in the region and expressed hope for a lasting resolution to foster stability, praising the Suez Canal's ability to navigate current challenges while fulfilling customer needs.
He noted that the route around the Cape of Good Hope was not the preferred alternative for MSC, citing its lack of maritime services and safety concerns that necessitate caution.
He reiterated the desire for a return to stability in the region to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic through the Suez Canal.
The situation has drawn criticism from Egyptian media figures.
Journalist Ahmed Moussa highlighted that Houthi attacks have compelled roughly 60 percent of vessels to reroute to the Cape of Good Hope instead of utilizing the Suez Canal, underscoring the economic ramifications for Egypt, which has reportedly lost $7 billion in revenue over the past eleven months due to these maritime threats.
