The spike in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has heightened international maritime tensions and fears of spillover effects from the Yemeni conflict.
Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Houthis have threatened to attack any ship heading for Israeli ports and have intensified their attacks.
A Norwegian-flagged oil tanker was hit by missiles, and the Houthis claimed responsibility on Tuesday (December 12). Last month, they seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, and its 25 international crew.
The Houthis said they were protecting Palestinians from Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and were sending a series of drones and missiles to Israel. Since the Houthi attack, U.S. and French ships patrolling the Red Sea have repeatedly shot down Houthi missiles and drones.
Lens, a researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said: "This is a rather dangerous moment for the stability of this strategic region. ”
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, "the Houthis have the ability to cause considerable damage. "While the ** crossing the Red Sea is well-equipped to retaliate, merchant ships do not have the same protection, and the US Navy cannot escort every civilian vessel in the Red Sea.