Houthi Threats to U.S.-Flagged Vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Analysis and Guidance from U.S. Maritime Advisory 2025-005
The advisory warns of high risks to U.S.-flagged commercial vessels from Houthi attacks, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes and illegal boardings.
Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Somali Basin — On March 15, 2025, U.S. forces initiated strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, prompting threats against U.S. assets, including U.S.-flagged commercial vessels, primarily in the southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, as stated in the U.S. Maritime Advisory 2025-005.
The advisory warns of high risks to U.S.-flagged commercial vessels from Houthi attacks, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes and illegal boardings. This campaign, ongoing since November 2023, aims to disrupt international shipping lanes. The analysis details the situation, strategic implications, and recommendations.
Key Developments: Events by Date
November 1, 2023: Houthi forces began targeting commercial vessels, with 113 attacks recorded, resulting in four mariners killed and one vessel seizure, affecting over 60 nations, as reported in the advisory.
March 15, 2025: U.S. forces launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen used to attack vessels. The Houthis responded by threatening U.S. assets, including U.S.-flagged commercial vessels, in the region, according to the advisory.
March 15, 2025 – Ongoing: U.S.-flagged commercial vessels face heightened risks, primarily in the southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Threats include UAV, unmanned surface vehicle (USV), unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), ballistic and cruise missile attacks, small arms fire from small boats, explosive boat attacks, illegal boardings, detentions, and seizures, per the advisory.
Strategic Context