US alerts shipping industry to potential Houthi threat in Bab el Mandeb Strait
- Published
by Admin
The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration on Thursday (26 March) issued an advisory warning that Yemen’s Houthi militants continue to pose a threat to US assets, including commercial vessels, across the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden.
“Although the Houthi terrorist group has not attacked commercial ships since the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the Houthis continue to pose a threat to U.S. assets, including commercial vessels, in this region,” it said in the advisory.
From November 2023 to October 2025, the US agency said there were more than 100 separate Houthi attacks on commercial vessels affecting more than 60 nations.
In July 2025, this trend escalated when the Houthis attacked and sank the bulk carriers Magic Seas and Eternity C while transiting the Red Sea in the vicinity of Hodeidah, Yemen.
“Entities claiming to be Yemeni authorities have also attempted to divert commercial vessels operating in these regions from their course. These threats pose both direct and collateral risks to commercial vessels transiting or operating in these areas,” it said.
“Commercial vessels operating in these areas should be vigilant for hazards to navigation caused by vessels being struck by the Houthis and should be aware of all current navigation warnings.”
Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 31 March, 2026
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