egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';line-height:32px;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">Update 8 January 2024
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">The situation remains dynamic, with the list of potential targets expanding - possible links to Israel include port calls by vessels, trade with Israel in general, or commercial relationships with Israeli companies. Although vessels directly owned by Israeli companies face a higher threat level, they are currently not transiting the Red Sea. As a result, Houthi forces have widened their scope of potential targets to include the aforementioned categories. However, it is important to note the increased risk of collateral damage, especially in the densely trafficked southern Red Sea. There have been instances where Houthi forces have unintentionally targeted other merchant ships, indicating a dynamic and evolving threat that requires close monitoring. One such incident was reported on 3 December 2023 involving the bulk carrier AOM SOPHIE II.
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">The Houthis possess significant targeting capabilities, and can identify previous links to Israel. Attempts to conceal these links may be detected by the Houthis, although the precise criteria they use remains unknown. It is anticipated that such attacks will persist, unless deterred by the US or through behind-the-scenes pressure on the Houthis.
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">Vessels in transit should be mindful of the possibility of encountering small armed craft in the Indian Ocean area, particularly in the Gulf of Aden. These crafts could include fishermen, traders, smugglers, militias, irregular military forces, or naval and coast guard patrol vessels from southern Yemen or northern Somalia. The boarding of the product tanker CENTRAL PARK in the Gulf of Aden on 26 November, is believed to be linked to Houthi actions against vessels connected to Israel.
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">There is an ongoing potential for pirate operations in the Somali Basin and the Gulf of Aden. The Maltese-flagged bulk carrier RUEN was reportedly boarded about 400 nautical miles off the coast on 14 December and is suspected to have been hijacked. The situation regarding this incident remains unresolved, and it is unclear whether it represents an isolated event or an increased threat to merchant vessels in transit.
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">Several naval forces, including the US Navy, the Royal Navy, and the French Navy, have responded swiftly to the increased attacks. The French Navy has redeployed a Multi-Mission Frigate to provide support in the area. In response to the surge in attacks and the suspension of transit through the Bab el Mandeb by several companies, Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched on 19 December.
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Guidance for Shipping Navigating the Southern Red Sea (SRS) was published on 23 December, which mentions that Operation Prosperity Guardian has commenced and "is a presence and deterrence mission in support of the Freedom of Navigation, that will be conducted by an international Naval force under CMF, commanded by Combined Task Force 153".
egular, 'ui-sans-serif', 'system-ui', '-apple-system', BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';font-size:18px;line-height:1.5rem;color:#424243;border:0px solid;">The CMF publication goes on to mention that vessels transiting in the SRS "will note a significant increase in the number of coalition warships and aircraft operating in the area as part of this operation. A review of BMP5 and the extant MSTC guidance for southern Red Sea will be conducted with industry".
