Thea Fathanah Arbar, CNBC Indonesia
Friday, 15/12/2023 10:05 WIB
Photo: Houthi Group Attacks in Yemen (via REUTERS/HOUTHI MILITARY MEDIA)
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – It is said that the war in Gaza is not a major threat to world peace and international security. According to analysis Al Jazeerathe threat of the Houthis, a group from Yemen, could be much worse than the current war between Israel and Hamas.
Yemen’s Houthis could seriously endanger shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is the world’s third largest strategic shipping lane for oil shipments after the Straits of Hormuz and Malacca, carrying six million barrels daily, mainly to Europe.
By following this route, the average ship traveling at 16 knots (30km/h) would take nine days less than circumnavigating Africa. It is also cheaper and is estimated to save at least 15% on transportation costs.
However, with continuous Houthi attacks, due to Israel’s anger at attacking Gaza, shipping has become risky. This can increase insurance rates, hazard compensation for crew members, and other costs.
Initially, oil prices were bound to soar. In a CNBC International report, there is the potential for prices to rise to US$ 250 thousand per barrel.
Then this will definitely be followed by other commodities. Inflation will increase in a number of countries and threaten the emergence of another recession.
So Can the Houthi Attack Be Stopped?
This analysis states that it is possible to take the first step through diplomacy. Yet almost no country recognizes the Houthis or talks to them, let alone has any influence.
“The only exception is Iran, which in principle supports the Houthis but does not control them. No one knows their current relationship, but if Iran does not want the conflict to escalate, then the Houthis may act against better advice. So “Even Iran may not be able to do much,” the analysis said.
Meanwhile, sanctions will not be successful. Because previously various sanctions imposed on Yemen failed to stop fighting there over the last decade or so.
Photo: Houthi military helicopters hover over the cargo ship Galaxy Leader as Houthi fighters walk the ship’s deck in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. (via REUTERS/HOUTHI MILITARY MEDIA)
Drone Kapal Denmark
It was discovered in a report on Friday (15/12/2023), that the Houthi group was still continuing to attack ships heading to Israel. Most recently, rebels in Yemen targeted a cargo ship identified as the Maersk Gibraltar with a drone as it sailed in the Red Sea.
“The operation targeting the ship was carried out after the ship’s crew refused to answer the Yemeni navy’s call,” the group said, adding that it had prevented several Israeli-bound ships from sailing off Yemen’s coast in the past 48 hours.
The Houthis have vowed to block ships heading to Israel through the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. This was until Israel allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Danish shipping company that owns Maersk Gibraltar said the cargo was headed to Saudi Arabia. This incident is very unfortunate.
“Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait are deeply concerning. The current situation endangers the lives of seafarers and is unsustainable for global trade,” said AP Moller-Maersk, as reported by the Reuters news agency.
Earlier Tuesday, a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker was also attacked by missiles in the same sea. The ship, named Strida, caught fire while crossing the sea stretching from East Africa to the Arabian Peninsula off the coast of Yemen.
“Strinda, a Norwegian owned and operated ship, was attacked around midnight local time, on Monday,” the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) was quoted as saying Al-Jazeera.
“The ship was attacked by what is thought to be an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from Houthi-controlled Yemeni territory as it passed Bab-el-Mandeb,” he added.
A French warship was also shot by drones in the Arabian Sea at the weekend. Last week’s British ship, which passed through the Red Sea, was reportedly hit by rocket fire last week.
Meanwhile, the Houthis also took another ship Galaxy Leader hostage. The Houthis emphasized that they would not stop until Israel stopped attacks on Gaza.
Watch the video below:
Jokowi “Warning” Danger of War, Flying Fertilizer & Oil Prices
(sef/sef)
2023-12-15 03:05:00
#Gaza #War #Big #Threat #World #Economy #Security
