Red Sea crisis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Sea crisis |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Iran–Israel proxy war, the Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present), and the Yemeni civil war (2014–present) | |||||||
 Map of Houthi activity near the Yemeni coast: Houthi-controlled Yemen (SPC) Government of Yemen (PLC) Houthi attacks (red) and hijackings (blue) |
|||||||
|
|||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Houthi Yemen
|
Script error: The function "" does not exist.
Prosperity Guardian:
 Aspides:
Independent Patrols:
|
||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
|
||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| See order of battle | |||||||
| Strength | |||||||
  Yemeni Armed Forces (SPC) 1 Alvand-class frigate 1 Intel ship |
Naval assets:
|
||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
|
Per Houthis: 14 detained |
 3 killed 3 injured Unknown number of MQ-9 Reapers lost (23 per Houthis) 3 F/A-18 Super Hornets lost |
||||||
| 8 sailors killed and 10 injured 2 Israeli civilians killed and at least 190 others injured 1 WFP worker killed, 1 United Nations worker injured At least 266 Yemeni civilians killed and 774 injured 68 African migrants killed, 47 injured 3 Russian civilians injured 6 Egyptian civilians wounded 5 Palestinian civilians wounded |
|||||||
|
Two ships have been hijacked by Houthi militants; one ship and 25 crew members remain in Houthi custody, while one ship has been released. At least 30 ships have been damaged by Houthi attacks. One UK-owned and three Greek-owned cargo ships sunk.
|
|||||||
The Red Sea crisis started on October 19, 2023. It began when a group called the Houthis in Yemen launched missiles and drones towards Israel. They demanded an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Since then, the Houthis have attacked many ships in the Red Sea. In response, the United States and its allies have launched air strikes against the Houthis.
This crisis is connected to other conflicts in the region. These include the Gaza war, the Iran–Israel proxy war, and the Yemeni civil war (2014–present).
The Houthis have controlled a large part of Yemen along the Red Sea since 2014. After the Gaza war started, they began attacking ships. These attacks mostly happen in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. This is a key waterway leading to the Suez Canal. The attacks have caused problems for global trade. The Houthis say they will not stop until the Gaza war ends.
They claim to target ships linked to Israel. However, they have also attacked ships from many other countries. From October 2023 to March 2024, the Houthis attacked over 60 vessels. To avoid these attacks, many commercial ships now sail around South Africa. This makes their journeys much longer.
Many countries have responded with military action. In January 2024, the UN Security Council passed a resolution. It condemned the Houthi attacks and supported safe shipping. The United States started Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect ships. Since January 12, the US and UK have led air strikes against the Houthis. Other countries are also protecting their ships independently. In May 2024, a Houthi general said they would target ships going to Israeli ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Later that month, a ceasefire was announced between the US and the Houthis.
Contents
Why the Red Sea Crisis Started
The Houthis in Yemen
The Houthi movement is a group that controls parts of Yemen. They are supported by Iran. Even though they control land, they are not the official government of Yemen. In 2014, the Houthis took over the capital city, Sanaa. This led to an ongoing civil war.
The conflict has caused millions of people to leave their homes. A group led by Saudi Arabia also blocked Yemen. These events have greatly harmed Yemen's economy. They have also led to a severe famine since 2016.
The US military has destroyed Houthi drones in Yemen and over the Red Sea. This has made tensions worse in the area.
Houthis and the Gaza War
After the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, many groups supported by Iran, including the Houthis, spoke out. They showed support for the Palestinians. The Houthi leader warned the United States not to help Israel. He said they would respond with drone and missile attacks. To stop their attacks in the Red Sea, the Houthis demanded a ceasefire in Gaza. They also wanted an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Houthi Weapons
The Houthis use weapons mostly from Russia, China, or Iran. They use different types of missiles and drones. Some of these can reach Israel from Yemen.
- Toufan: A missile that can hit targets up to 1,800 kilometers away.
- Cruise missiles: These missiles can travel about 2,000 kilometers.
- Quds-2 missile: This missile is designed to strike Israel, with a range of 1,350 kilometers.
- Samad-3 and Samad-4: These are drones that can fly 1,800 kilometers or more.
- Wa'id drones: Similar to Iran's Shahed 136, these drones can fly up to 2,500 kilometers.
- Naval drones: These are small, unmanned boats filled with explosives.
Key Events in the Crisis
Bab-el-Mandeb transits by cargo vessels
over 10,000 deadweight tonnage (approx.)
Before attacks
After first Houthi ship seizure/attack (19 November 2023)
After naval protection operation started (18 December 2023)
After US/UK attack on Yemen mainland (12 January 2024)
Houthi Attacks on Ships
The Houthis started attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea on November 19, 2023. By February 2024, they had attacked 40 vessels. Many global shipping companies changed their routes. Instead of using the Red Sea and Suez Canal, they sailed around South Africa.
These attacks caused a 1.3% drop in global trade between November and December 2023. By March 2024, over 2,000 ships had changed their routes. This made voyages more expensive.
The Houthis first said they would only target Israel-linked ships. But they later attacked ships from many other countries. They claimed these attacks were revenge for "American-British aggression." The US Central Command said the Houthi attacks had nothing to do with the Gaza conflict. They said the Houthis fired randomly, affecting over 40 nations. In May 2024, a Houthi spokesperson announced they would target any ships going to Israeli ports in the Mediterranean Sea.
Challenges and Issues
False Information
The Houthis and their supporters have spread false information. The U.S. Navy says these false claims try to stop efforts to keep shipping routes safe. They also try to make the Houthis seem like a powerful group in the region. For example, in February 2024, the Houthis claimed to attack a US ship named KOI, but this was false.
News groups linked to Hezbollah have also supported false Houthi claims. Social media users have posted old or changed images and videos. They falsely claimed these showed Houthi attacks. For instance, in June 2024, users posted edited satellite images of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. They claimed it was damaged by a Houthi attack, but this was not true.
Videos from the video game Arma 3 have also been used to spread false information. Russian websites have published gameplay, falsely claiming it showed real attacks. The game's creators said it is hard to stop these fake videos.
Foreign Involvement
Several countries are believed to be involved in the Red Sea crisis.
Iran's Role
Reports suggest that Iranian personnel are in Yemen. They are working with Hezbollah militants. Their job is to guide Houthi attacks on ships. Iran has also sent more advanced drones and missiles to the Houthis.
US officials say that Iran's Revolutionary Guards commanders are in Yemen. They are directly involved in the Houthi attacks. The Qods Force, a part of the Revolutionary Guards, has helped transfer weapons. These weapons have been used in attacks on the Red Sea and Israel.
Western intelligence officials say Iran placed an intelligence ship, MV Behshad, to help guide Houthi attacks. This ship helps target vessels that turn off their radios. The Iranian frigate IRIS Alborz also entered the Red Sea.
In July 2024, the Defense Intelligence Agency reported that the Houthis used an Iranian-made missile. This missile was used in an attack on a Norwegian ship in December 2023. Iran has also helped the Houthis target US drones.
North Korea's Role
It is believed that North Korea may have sent weapons to the Houthis through Iran. This idea comes from Korean writing found on Houthi missiles.
China's Role
Two companies based in China were punished by the US in 2024. They were accused of providing materials to the Houthis. These materials are used to make missiles and drones.
One report suggested that the Houthis use Chinese-made weapons. In return, Chinese ships get safe passage through the Red Sea. Another report said China provided advanced parts for Houthi missiles. The United States Department of State also stated that a Chinese company provides satellite information to the Houthis. This information helps them target US warships.
Russia's Role
In July 2024, reports suggested that Russia was thinking about giving advanced anti-ship missiles to the Houthis. This was possibly in response to US support for Ukraine. However, this did not happen due to objections from the US and Saudi Arabia.
In August 2024, a US official reported that Russian GRU personnel were in Houthi-controlled Yemen. They were helping the Houthis attack merchant ships. In October 2024, it was reported that Russia had given intelligence to the Houthis for targeting commercial ships.
Impact of the Crisis
Impact on Israel and Egypt
Houthi attacks have greatly reduced shipping to Israel. Commercial shipping to Eilat has almost stopped. Ships coming from Asia to Israel now sail around Africa. This adds three weeks and more cost to their journey. By December 21, 2023, over 100 container ships had changed their routes.
Insurance costs for ships in the Red Sea have gone up. Some Israeli ships saw a 250% increase. Others could not get insurance at all.
The crisis has also severely affected Egypt's economy. Shipping through the Suez Canal brings in billions of dollars for Egypt. The disruption has made Egypt's debt problems worse. In March 2024, half of the workers at Eilat Port were at risk of losing their jobs. The port's activity dropped by 85%. In July 2024, the port of Eilat declared bankruptcy. The Suez Canal's yearly income also dropped from about $9.4 billion to $7.2 billion.
Impact on the Global Economy
Many major shipping companies stopped using the Red Sea. These include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and BP. Maersk, a large shipping company, paused its operations in the Red Sea after attacks. In May 2024, Maersk estimated a 15-20% loss in shipping capacity due to the crisis.
In January 2024, Tesla paused most production at its factory in Germany. This was due to supply chain problems caused by Houthi attacks. Volvo Cars also stopped production at its plant in Belgium for three days. Shell plc also stopped all shipments through the Red Sea.
In December 2023, Evergreen Marine Corporation stopped its services to Israel. COSCO, another large shipping company, also stopped all services to Israel in early January 2024.
The CEO of the port of Eilat said its activity dropped by 85%. Many ships chose the safer route around Africa. This route adds ten days, more fuel, and more crew time. The reduced use of the Suez Canal also hurt Egypt's economy.
Some ships, like bulk carriers and tankers, continued to use the Red Sea. They often came from countries that supported Gaza. In January 2024, a Houthi official said that Chinese and Russian ships not linked to Israel would have safe passage.
Most marine insurers now require a guarantee of no Israeli involvement to insure vessels for the Red Sea route. Some also require no US or UK interest. Qatar has stopped sending liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers through the strait. This is a concern for Europe, as Qatar is a major LNG supplier.
By February 2024, over half of UK export businesses were affected. The cost of hiring shipping containers increased by 300%. Businesses faced cashflow problems and shortages of parts.
A UN report found that container shipping rates from Shanghai to Europe rose by 256%. This was mainly due to Houthi attacks. The number of cargo ships using the Suez Canal also dropped by 42%.
In June 2024, the US Defense Intelligence Agency reported a 90% decrease in container shipping through the Red Sea. This forced 29 energy and shipping companies to change routes. Going around the Cape of Good Hope adds 11,000 nautical miles and $1,000,000 in fuel costs. Goods worth about $1 trillion were affected by Houthi attacks from October 2023 to May 2024.
The number of ships passing through the Suez Canal fell from 2,068 in November 2023 to about 877 in October 2024. In February 2025, about 200 cargo ships used the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Global freight prices in March 2025 were still much higher than before the Gaza War.
Humanitarian Impact
Houthi attacks have delayed aid shipments for Sudan. They have also made it more expensive for aid groups to work there. Sudan is facing a conflict that puts millions at risk of famine. Shipments that normally take one or two weeks now take months. This is because aid ships must sail around Africa to reach Sudan.
Global Responses
UN Security Council Action
On January 10, 2024, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2722. This resolution, supported by the US and Japan, condemned the Houthi attacks. It also stated that countries have the right to defend their ships. It demanded that the Houthis release the Galaxy Leader ship and its crew. The vote was 11 in favor, 0 against, with four countries not voting.
Responses from Israel and Egypt
In October 2023, the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, urged all sides to respect Egypt's borders. He said the Egyptian Army could protect the country from attacks.
In December 2023, Israel asked its allies to respond to Houthi threats. Israel's National Security Advisor said they would act if the threats continued.
Houthi Response
On January 25, 2024, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said their fight was to support the Palestinian people. He stated that Houthi operations would stop once food and medicine reached all of Gaza. A Houthi spokesperson said on February 4, 2024, that the world was worried about the violence against Palestinians. He added that Washington denied the genocide, so it could easily deny the link between the Red Sea events and Gaza.
Operation Prosperity Guardian
The US Navy has shot down Houthi rockets and missiles in the Red Sea. In December 2023, the US announced a new naval task force. This group, called Operation Prosperity Guardian, protects commercial ships. It was officially launched on December 23, 2023. This operation is similar to past efforts to protect ships from attacks.
France, Italy, and India have also sent their own naval ships to the region. The French frigate Languedoc stopped drones launched by the Houthis. Italy sent the frigate Virginio Fasan. India sent two destroyers to improve security in the Red Sea.
Pro-Palestinian Protests
In January 2024, people protesting in London showed support for the Houthis. This happened after the UK and US started strikes against Houthi targets. Some protesters chanted slogans like, "Yemen, Yemen make us proud, turn another ship around." Others held signs saying "Hands off Yemen" and "Thanks Yemen."
International Reactions
- Bahrain: In January 2024, Bahrain's King and US officials discussed the Houthi attacks. They agreed to ensure safe shipping. Bahrain was the only Arab country to join Operation Prosperity Guardian.
- China: China said it was worried about the Red Sea crisis. It called for an end to the attacks. China did not vote on the UN Security Council Resolution 2722.
- Denmark: Denmark supported the US and UK strikes against the Houthis. It warned the Houthis to stop attacking ships.
- Djibouti: Djibouti increased its coast guard patrols. Its Foreign Minister said the attacks showed strong support for Palestinians. However, he asked the Houthis to stop the attacks because they hurt Djibouti's economy.
- France: France condemned Houthi attacks and supported the UN Security Council Resolution 2722.
- Germany: Germany condemned the Houthi attacks. It called them violent and against international law.
- India: India held talks with Iran and took steps to protect its exporters. This included more surveillance and escorts for Indian ships.
- Iran: Iran supported Houthi operations. It also said the strikes on Houthis in Yemen were wrong and against international law.
- Italy: Italy said the Houthi attacks must stop without causing a larger conflict.
- Japan: Japan condemned Houthi interference with shipping. It supported the US and other nations in keeping shipping safe. In November 2023, Japan said it was talking with the Houthis and Israel to free the hijacked Galaxy Leader.
- Russia: Russia did not vote on UN Security Council Resolution 2722. It suggested changes that would have removed support for Operation Prosperity Guardian. Russia also condemned the US and UK strikes on the Houthis.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia asked Iran to help calm tensions in the region. It also urged the US to be careful in its response to the Houthis.
- Somalia: Somalia's Ambassador said the attacks could harm Somalia's economy. He also worried about the possibility of weapons reaching Al-Shabaab through sea routes.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE expressed deep concern about the Houthi attacks. It called them an "unacceptable threat."
Images for kids
-
Areas controlled by the Houthi movement in 2024.
See also
In Spanish: Crisis del mar Rojo para niños
- International reactions to the Gaza war
- United States support for Israel in the Gaza war
- Attacks on US bases during the Gaza war
- Operation Prosperity Guardian
- Closure of the Suez Canal (1967–1975)
- Tanker war
- Guanbi policy
