Red Sea: Attacks and Measures to Combat the Threats.

The Red Sea has been a hotbed of piracy and maritime terrorism for several years, with recent attacks raising concerns about the safety of vessels and crew. In this article, we will explore recent pirate attacks in the Red Sea and the measures being taken to combat them.

Since November 2023, Yemen's Houthi militia has been attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea, a narrow body of water between Africa and Asia that links to the Mediterranean Sea and Europe and provides a crucial trade corridor that allows ships on east-west routes to avoid the long voyage.

The attacks have raised concerns over potential disruptions to global supply chains, and shipping firms have been reported to be weighing the difficult choice between paying ransom or rerouting their vessels.

In January 2024, a Maersk ship was hit by a missile but avoided boarding in the Red Sea.The attack was believed to have been carried out by Houthi rebels, who have been targeting commercial vessels in the region. The incident highlights the growing threat of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Red Sea, which has prompted shipping companies to invest in advanced security measures.

Somali piracy has also been a major concern in the Red Sea, with pirates hijacking a merchant ship off Somalia in 2024. The incident fueled fears that pirates were returning to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea waters, which had been plagued by piracy from 2008 to 2018. The pirates may have been encouraged by a relaxation of security or taking advantage of the chaos caused by attacks on shipping by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital trade route, has been experiencing a surge in attacks on commercial vessels. The strait is a narrow passage between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, and it connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of vessels and crew, as well as potential disruptions to global supply chains.

Increased international cooperation is crucial to de-escalating tensions, combating piracy, and ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea. Collaborative efforts between governments, shipping companies, and maritime security firms have been successful in reducing piracy in the region in the past. However, the recent surge in attacks highlights the need for continued vigilance and investment in advanced security measures.

Measures to combat the threats of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Red Sea include:

Best Management Practices (BMP): BMP 5 is a set of guidelines that help ships plan their voyage, detect, avoid, deter, delay, and report attacks in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea. These practices have been effective in suppressing piracy, but they may need to be adapted to address other maritime security threats, such as attacks carried out by extremist groups.

International cooperation: Increased international cooperation is crucial to de-escalating tensions, combating piracy, and ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea. Collaborative efforts between governments, shipping companies, and maritime security firms have been successful in reducing piracy in the region in the past.

Advanced security measures: Shipping companies are investing in advanced security measures, such as armed guards, surveillance systems, and secure communication channels, to protect their vessels and crew from piracy and maritime terrorism.

Regional stability: Regional instability has introduced other maritime security threats, such as deliberate targeting of ships by extremist groups and collateral damage arising from regional conflict. Addressing these underlying issues is essential to reducing the risk of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Red Sea.

Vigilance and awareness: Shipping companies and maritime security firms must remain vigilant and aware of the evolving threat landscape in the Red Sea. This includes staying informed about recent attacks, adapting security measures as needed, and working closely with other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of vessels and crew.

By implementing these measures, stakeholders can work together to combat the threats of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Red Sea and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels and crew.

In conclusion, the Red Sea remains a concern for the maritime industry, with recent pirate attacks highlighting the growing threat of piracy and maritime terrorism in the region. Shipping companies are investing in advanced security measures, and increased international cooperation is crucial to ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea. While collaborative efforts have been successful in reducing piracy in the past, continued vigilance and investment in advanced security measures are needed to combat the growing threat of piracy and maritime terrorism in the Red Sea