Several Russian warships from the Pacific Fleet have navigated through the Bab al-Mandab Strait into the Red Sea, amidst a spate of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant shipping in the region. The fleet’s journey, which included the missile cruiser Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, has highlighted the increasingly volatile maritime situation in a vital global trade artery.
These developments are unfolding against a backdrop of Houthi aggression in the Red Sea, where the Iran-aligned group has been targeting commercial vessels. The Houthis have claimed their attacks are in support of Palestinians and have openly vowed to continue their maritime assaults as long as they perceive transgressions against Palestinians by Israel. In one of the recent incidents, the Rubymar cargo ship was attacked in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, sinking in early March with a substantial load of fertilizer, posing an environmental threat to the region.
The Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet stated that their warships were undertaking “assigned tasks as part of a long-distance sea campaign.” The vessels had previously conducted exercises in the Gulf of Aden, simulating various scenarios against a mock enemy. However, the Pacific Fleet’s statement did not clarify the specific reasons for the deployment of the warships into the Red Sea.
This move comes at a time when Western navies are also present in the area, working to safeguard commercial ships from the Houthi attacks, which have escalated since the start of the year. The volatile situation has disrupted the Suez Canal/Red Sea route—one of the world’s busiest maritime paths—forcing ship owners and operators to seek alternative, lengthier routes for transporting goods between Europe and Asia. Analysts predict this could lead to increased global demand for oil and potentially contribute to a deficit later in the year.
Adding to the tension, the U.S. Central Command reported a Houthi strike on a tanker owned by a Hong Kong-based company, identified as the Huang Pu sailing under a Panamanian flag, which was hit with five anti-ship missiles. While the vessel sent a distress signal, it did not seek assistance.
Relevant articles:
– Russian warships enter the Red Sea, navy says
– Russian Warships Enter The Red Sea amid Houthi Attacks, OilPrice.com, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT
– Russia Says Its Warships Enter Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks, i24NEWS, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:15:52 GMT
– Russian Pacific Fleet vessels enter Red Sea amidst Houthis’ attacks, Shafaq News, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:39:41 GMT