Russia provided intel about Houthi attacks on ships sailing through Red Sea: Report

NEW YORK : The Yemeni Houthi rebel attacks earlier this year on the crucial trade supply line that passes through the Red Sea was aided by Russian intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The attacks, which began after the Gaza war, targeted western ships taking this route with ballistic missiles and drones, including kamikaze drones.

The group claims it is acting in solidarity with the Palestinians, who have lost thousands of lives due to Israel’s assault following the October 7 Hamas attack.

The report further said, citing sources, that the Iran-backed group used Russian satellite data to create instability in the region amid the rising tension between Israel and Hamas. The data was also passed to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, who are present in the rebel group, the report claimed. Moscow tried to tie up the US in the Middle East with these attacks, it said.

The Yemeni group made its first attack on the international shipping line in November last year, when it landed on a cargo vessel and seized the crew, according to Reuters. Since then, the rebels have conducted more than 70 attacks on ships and vessels.

The attacks have forced container vessels to sail south of Africa, absorbing some of the overcapacity in the container industry, which in turn surged container rates extensively.

On October 21, AP Moller-Maersk A/S, a global trade bellwether, hiked its full-year guidance for a fourth time in less than six months, citing stronger demand and higher freight rates caused by supply chain disruptions from attacks in the Red Sea.

Source : Money Control