This is a significant increase from previous rates of 0.7%, reflecting the rising risks of navigating through this critical maritime route.
In response to these attacks, the U.S. and its allies have launched countermeasures to protect international shipping and maintain the flow of global trade.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked earlier this year, “The Houthis’ attacks on international shipping are a threat to everyone.”
Russian-Houthi Weapons Deal
The Houthis’ reach has extended beyond the Middle East, drawing in Russia.
Reports indicate that a weapons deal between the Houthis and Russia was brokered by Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer dubbed “The Merchant of Death.” According to sources familiar with the situation, the Houthis negotiated the purchase of $10 million worth of automatic weapons during a meeting in Moscow in August.
The deal is seen as a major intervention by Russia in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
The current gun deal does not include anti-ship missiles, bu U.S. intelligence warn for months that Russia may provide such weapons to the Houthis in retaliation for American support of Ukraine.
