The attacks by the Houthis on international commercial ships in the Red Sea shifted the shipping traffic in the region.
The number of cargo ships sailing through the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandab Strait (for example, to get from Asia to Europe) has fallen by around 50%.
Shipping companies are forces to take a longer route around Africa, passing the Cape of Good Hope at its southern end, to avoid the risky areas of the Red Sea.
Multiple ships were attacked by the Houthis in 2024 and 2025, including with drones, missiles, gunfire, and explosive boats, causing multiple fatalities among sailors.
In January 2024, the US and the UK launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets to stop their attacks. This weakened the Houthis’ capabilities but did not put an end to the attacks.
Israel has also launched strikes on the Houthis in response to the drone and missile strikes on its territory, and the attacks on commercial vessels.
Galaxy Leader was taken to Yemen and turned into a political museum.
The 25 crew members were kept hostage for over a year despite none of them being US or Israeli nationals. They were released in January 2025 during a 2-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In July 2025, the Houthis resumed strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea after a 7-month pause.
Two Greek-operated ships sank in the Red Sea this month after taking missile and drone fire, with at least 11 sailors reported missing.