Barran Press
The US-based news agency Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, that attacks launched by the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and backed by Iran, in the Red Sea have led to a resurgence of piracy networks off the coast of Somalia.
Citing Ignacio Villanueva, who leads the European Union operation tasked with curbing piracy, Bloomberg stated that pirates "believe there is an opportunity because of the Houthis," with increased ship traffic along the Somali coast.
Villanueva added, "On July 1st, one of the tactics used by pirates is to hijack small boats like dinghies, sailboats, and travel with them in the middle of the Indian Ocean and try to attack larger ships."
He pointed out that the "increasing number of attacks are carried out by groups 'heavily armed, organized, and larger in number' than ever before," noting 30 attacks on commercial ships, fishing boats, and sailboats since November.
Last month, the Houthis carried out the highest number of attacks on commercial ships so far in 2024, with 16 vessels targeted, according to data released by naval forces operating in the region.
Since last November, the Houthi group, internationally classified as a terrorist organization, has launched attacks using missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.
In December 2023, the United States, Israel's key ally, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the group designated as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, American forces have been carrying out occasional strikes against Houthi military targets.