The White House, March 15, 2025
In a bold move to protect international commerce and national security, President Trump has taken decisive action against terrorism, targeting the persistent threat posed by Houthi forces in the region. For over a year, U.S.-flagged commercial ships have successfully navigated key waterways—the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden—despite the persistent attacks designed to disrupt global trade.
Shipping Under Siege
Houthi attacks since 2023 have not only endangered lives but have also significantly disrupted international shipping. According to a 2024 Defense Intelligence Agency report, container traffic through the Red Sea has plummeted from 25,000 merchant ships annually to just around 10,000. This dramatic drop has forced rerouting of essential goods, from consumer products and automobiles imported into the United States to vital agricultural exports from the Gulf of America.
The disruption has had far-reaching economic impacts. With approximately 75% of U.S.- and UK-affiliated vessels now forced to navigate the longer route around Africa—adding an extra ten days per voyage and incurring roughly one million dollars in additional fuel costs—the ripple effects have contributed to a global consumer goods inflation increase estimated between 0.6 and 0.7 percent in 2024.
Impact on Allies and Global Trade
The strategic importance of the Red Sea extends beyond U.S. interests. As a major conduit between Europe and Asia—with 95% of ships on that route typically transiting this body of water—the ongoing Houthi attacks have affected many international partners. EU nations, five of the top ten importers by trade value through the Red Sea, have also seen nearly 60% of their vessels reroute around Africa, further complicating the logistics of global commerce.
A Timeline of Escalation
The past two years have seen a steady escalation of Houthi aggression:
- October 19, 2023: The USS Carney intercepted multiple missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas, neutralizing a direct threat to U.S. forces.
- November 19, 2023: Houthi forces seized the M/V Galaxy Leader, holding its multinational crew hostage while launching a series of anti-ship missile and drone attacks.
- December 2023: Multiple incidents unfolded, including the USS Carney intercepting drones, destroying 14 enemy drones on December 16, and U.S. naval vessels responding to distress calls, notably near the Maersk Hangzhou on December 26 and intercepting anti-ship ballistic missiles on December 30.
In 2024, the intensity of the conflict increased further:
- January 2024: A large-scale missile and drone assault on U.S. and UK naval forces in the Red Sea was successfully countered, though attacks on U.S.-owned vessels like the M/V Gibraltar Eagle and the cargo ship Genco Picardy resulted in notable damage.
- Late 2024: Several high-tension incidents, including coordinated attacks involving drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles targeting U.S. destroyers near critical chokepoints like the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, were met with swift and effective countermeasures by U.S. naval escorts. Notable among these was the dual assault between December 9 and 10 on the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane in the Gulf of Aden, ensuring the safety of the merchant convoy.
A Strong Message Against Terrorism
President Trump’s robust stance sends a clear message: no terrorist force will successfully impede American commercial and naval freedom of navigation. His administration’s actions underscore a commitment to restoring the stability of global trade routes and safeguarding the economic and national security interests of the United States and its allies.
By countering the persistent threat posed by Houthi forces, the administration not only aims to reverse the negative trends in global commerce but also to reinforce the strength and resilience of international maritime law and order.
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