The Red Sea: A Critical Shipping Route Disrupted by Attacks from Yemen-Backed Rebel Formation

Iran has supplied the Houthis with money and advanced weapons systems, including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles
The attacks have disrupted global trade and caused supply chain issues
The attacks have led to major shipping firms diverting their vessels away from the Red Sea, causing traffic around the Cape of Good Hope to rise by 67% while traffic via the Suez Canal dropped 28%
The Houthis are a rebel formation backed by Iran that has been attacking commercial vessels with suicide drones, missiles and rockets since the Gaza War
The Red Sea is a critical shipping route that handles around 12% of global trade and roughly one-third of the container trade
The Red Sea: A Critical Shipping Route Disrupted by Attacks from Yemen-Backed Rebel Formation

The Red Sea, a critical shipping route that handles around 12% of global trade and roughly one-third of the container trade, has been disrupted by attacks from Yemen-based rebel formation backed by Iran. The Houthis have been attacking commercial vessels with suicide drones, missiles and rockets since the Gaza War as part of a strategy to impose a naval blockade on Israel. This has led to major shipping firms diverting their vessels away from the Red Sea, causing traffic around the Cape of Good Hope to rise by 67% while traffic via the Suez Canal dropped 28%. The attacks have also disrupted global trade and caused supply chain issues. Iran has supplied the Houters with money and advanced weapons systems, including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • Iran may face economic sanctions or diplomatic isolation for supporting the Houthis and destabilizing the region
  • The Cape of Good Hope may become less attractive as a route if piracy and instability increase there
  • The Houthis may not be able to sustain their attacks in the long term due to lack of resources or international pressure
  • The Suez Canal may recover its traffic by investing in security measures or alternative routes around the Red Sea

Sources

70%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Houthis launch sea drone to attack ships hours after US, allies issue final warning

ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Friday, 05 January 2024 10:35
  • Unique Points
    • Houthis launched an armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Red Sea
    • Most of the Houthis USVs are likely assembled in Yemen but often fitted with components made in Iran
    • Iran has supplied the Houters with money and advanced weapons systems, including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles
    • Since late October, Houthers have launched scores of one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea
    • U.S. Navy warships have intercepted ballistic missiles headed toward Israel
    • Total of 61 missiles and drones shot down by U.S. warships since late October
  • Accuracy
    • Iran has supplied the Houthis with money and advanced weapons systems, including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles
    • The United States is not seeking a confrontation with Iran but Tehran has a choice
    • Countries issued a final warning to cease attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea or face potential targeted military action
    • Since late October, Houthis have launched scores of one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that this was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel (USV) since their harassment of commercial ships began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, it is stated later in the article that they have used USVs in years past and even during previous battles against Saudi coalition forces. Secondly, the author claims that most of these USVs are likely assembled in Yemen but often fitted with components made in Iran such as computerized guidance systems. This contradicts earlier statements about their use during previous battles against Saudi coalition forces which implies they were fully functional and did not require additional parts from Iran. Thirdly, the article quotes a missile expert who claims that these USVs are a key part of the Houthi maritime arsenal and have been used as suicide drone boats that explode upon impact. However, this contradicts earlier statements about their use during previous battles against Saudi coalition forces which implies they were not solely used for suicide attacks but also had other capabilities such as tracking and striking commercial vessels navigating shipping lanes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
    • The author claims that most of these USVs are likely assembled in Yemen but often fitted with components made in Iran such as computerized guidance systems. This contradicts earlier statements about their use during previous battles against Saudi coalition forces which implies they were fully functional and did not require additional parts from Iran.
    • The author claims that this was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel (USV) since their harassment of commercial ships began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, it is stated later in the article that they have used USVs in years past and even during previous battles against Saudi coalition forces.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the statements of various officials without providing any evidence or context for their claims. Additionally, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: either the Houthis cease their attacks or face potential military action.
    • The article states that Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said it was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel since their harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence or context.
    • The author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: either the Houthis cease their attacks or face potential military action.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains a statement that the Houthis have used unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in previous battles against Saudi coalition forces. This is an example of ideological bias as it implies that the US and its allies are involved in a conflict with Yemen when they are not directly involved.
    • The article states that the Houthis have used unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in previous battles against Saudi coalition forces.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      The article reports on the Houthis launching a sea drone to attack ships hours after the US and its allies issued a final warning. The author is ABC News which has financial ties with defense contractors that may have an interest in military action against Iran-backed militias.
      • Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2021
        • The article reports on the Houthis launching a sea drone to attack ships hours after the US and its allies issued a final warning. The author is ABC News which has financial ties with defense contractors that may have an interest in military action against Iran-backed militias.
          • United States Navy warships have intercepted ballistic missiles headed towards Israel.
            • Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              ABC News has a conflict of interest on the topics of Houthis and sea drone as they are reporting on an attack by the Houthis using a sea drone. They also have a conflict of interest with commercial vessels in the Red Sea as they report that Iran-backed militia group is attacking them.
              • ABC News reports that

              73%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              How Red Sea Shipping Attacks Are Disrupting Global Trade: Odd Lots

              Bloomberg News Now Tracy Alloway, Friday, 05 January 2024 10:37
              • Unique Points
                • Another supply chain disruption is brewing.
                • Most of the Houthis USVs are likely assembled in Yemen but often fitted with components made in Iran, such as computerized guidance systems and Hinz said.
                • Iran has supplied the Houthis with money and advanced weapons systems, including drones, land attack cruise missiles and ballistic missiles
                • Since late October, Houthis have launched scores of one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea
                • U.S. Navy warships have intercepted ballistic missiles headed toward Israel
                • Total of 61 missiles and drones shot down by U.S. warships since late October
              • Accuracy
                • Listen to Odd Lots on Apple Podcasts
                • Listen to Odd Lots on Spotify
                • Subscribe to the newsletter
              • Deception (50%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that Red Sea shipping attacks are causing global trade disruptions when there is no evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating 'Another supply chain disruption is brewing' without providing any concrete information about what these supposed disruptions are or how they will affect global trade. Thirdly, the article quotes a source who claims that Red Sea shipping attacks have caused delays in cargo delivery but does not provide any details on this claim.
                • The title implies that Red Sea shipping attacks are causing global trade disruptions when there is no evidence to support this claim.
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that the Red Sea attacks are reconfiguring global trade again without providing any evidence or data to support this claim.
                • ’Listen to Odd Lots on Apple Podcasts’
                • ’Subscribe to the newsletter’
              • Bias (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                The article discusses the impact of Odd Lots attacks on global trade and supply chain disruption. The authors are Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal who have a financial stake in Bloomberg Terminal which is mentioned as a source for confidential tips.
                • Bloomberg Terminal LEARN MORE By Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal January 4, 2024 at 4:00 AM EST Listen to Odd Lots on Apple Podcasts Listen to Odd Lots on Spotify Subscribe to the newsletter Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal
                  • Confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal
                    • Odd Lots Attacks in the Red Sea Are Reconfiguring Global Trade Again
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal have a conflict of interest on the topic of Red Sea shipping attacks as they are reporting for Bloomberg Terminal which is owned by Bloomberg LP. This company has financial ties to various industries that may be affected by these attacks.
                      • Bloomberg Terminal LEARN MORE By Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal January 4, 2024 at 4:00 AM EST Listen to Odd Lots on Apple Podcasts Listen to Odd Lots on Spotify Subscribe to the newsletter Have a confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal
                        • Confidential tip for our reporters? Get in Touch Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal

                        79%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        The significance of guarding the Red Sea

                        LiveMint Mint SnapView Friday, 05 January 2024 03:30
                        • Unique Points
                          • The Yemen-based rebel formation, backed by Iran, has been attacking shipping along this critical region with suicide drones, missiles and rockets since the Gaza War. This is part of a strategy to impose a naval blockade of Israel.
                          • Many major shipping firms such as Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and BP have started diverting vessels away from the Red Sea.
                          • Under normal circumstances, the Red Sea route handles around 12% of all global trade, and roughly a third of the container trade.
                        • Accuracy
                          • Oil and natural gas prices have started rising as traders bet on the continuation of Houthi attacks disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.
                          • The Yemen-based rebel formation, backed by Iran, has been attacking shipping along this critical region with suicide drones, missiles and rockets since the Gaza War. This is part of a strategy to impose a naval blockade of Israel, since the Houthis are allies of Hamas due to their strong connections with Iran.
                          • Many major shipping firms such as Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and BP have started diverting vessels away from the Red Sea. Indeed, traffic around the Cape of Good Hope has risen by 67% since the attacks started while traffic via the Suez Canal has dropped 28% because the Suez Canal links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
                          • It takes an extra 10-14 days sailing time for a cargo ship on the Asia-Europe run to go up and down the entire length of Africa rather than through the Suez Canal via the Red Sea. This adds considerably to shipping costs.
                          • The Houthi interdiction has the potential to badly disrupt energy supplies since a large proportion of the world's oil and natural gas is evacuated out through regions targeted by the Houthi. Unlike with other commodities, which can use alternate routes albeit at high cost, it is not possible for tankers out of the Arab Peninsula to easily avoid the red zone.
                          • If the attacks cannot be stopped, there will be disruptions to global energy supplies quite apart from high costs for global shipping. In addition, protests in Libya have shut down the Sharara oilfield, which could further tighten global supply.
                          • The US has sunk several Houthi ships recently but this has not stopped the attacks. Iran which was already supplying much of the armaments (rockets and drones) used by the Houthi has also got involved more directly as it has sent warships out on patrol after Houthi boats were sunk.
                          • The US is now trying to coordinate stronger military action via the UN Security Council but again, Arab nations in the region will be hesitant to get involved while the Gaza War rages on. India has seen collateral damage since Indian ships (and Indian-crewed ships) such as MV Chem Pluto and MV Sai Baba have been targeted by Houthi attacks.
                          • If the attacks don't stop, either through naval military action or via diplomatic negotiations (probably involving Iran), the next option would be further military escalation via bombing Houthi strongholds in Yemen, or even the involvement of UN coalition ground forces in Yemen. This could have serious consequences in terms of heightened geopolitical tensions, especially if Iran decides to face-off.
                          • India has strong diplomatic and trade ties across the Arab World, and with Iran and Israel. Over 10 million NRIs work in Arab nations. Hence, the government has to tread very delicately through this situation.
                          • The impact on the bottomline of oil-marketing companies like BPCL, HPCL, IOC could be severe if energy imports become more expensive which is worrying since India imports over 85% of its crude and over 50% of its gas.
                        • Deception (80%)
                          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it presents the Houthi attacks as a strategy to impose a naval blockade of Israel when there is no evidence that this is their primary objective. Secondly, it exaggerates the impact of these attacks on shipping and energy supplies by stating that they have caused disruptions to global trade and energy supplies without providing any concrete data or statistics. Thirdly, it presents India as being directly affected by Houthi attacks when there is no evidence that Indian ships were targeted specifically. Finally, it uses inflammatory language such as 'terrorist attacks' and 'serious consequences' which are not supported by the facts presented in the article.
                          • The article states that the Houthis have been attacking shipping along this critical region with suicide drones, missiles and rockets since the Gaza War. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
                        • Fallacies (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Bias (85%)
                          The article is biased towards the idea that the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are a threat to global energy supplies and trade. The author uses language such as 'disruptions' and 'badly disrupt' to create an alarmist tone. They also use examples of rising traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, falling traffic via the Suez Canal, and increased sailing time for cargo ships on the Asia-Europe run to emphasize these disruptions. The author then uses language such as 'potential' and 'serious consequences' to create a sense of urgency. Additionally, they use examples from India such as collateral damage suffered by Indian ships and the need for military action against Houthi attacks in Yemen.
                          • The Red Sea route handles around 12% of all global trade, and roughly a third of the container trade.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The article discusses the impact of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and how it has disrupted global trade. The author also mentions India's involvement in the situation as well as geopolitical tensions that could be heightened if Iran decides to face-off.
                            • The article discusses Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and how it has disrupted global trade. The author also mentions India's involvement in the situation as well as geopolitical tensions that could be heightened if Iran decides to face-off.
                              • The article states that large proportion of world’s oil and natural gas is evacuated out through regions targeted by the Houthi, which cannot be easily avoided.
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                The article discusses the impact of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and how it has disrupted global trade. The author also mentions India's involvement in protecting its ships from these attacks.
                                • energy imports become more expensive which is worrying since India imports over 85% of its crude and over 50% of its gas. The impact on the bottomline of oil-marketing companies like BPCL, HPCL, IOC could be severe.
                                  • Houthi interdiction has potential to disrupt energy supplies as large proportion of world’s oil and natural gas is evacuated out through regions targeted by the Houthi, which cannot be easily avoided
                                    • India sees collateral damage since Indian ships (and Indian-crewed ships) such as MV Chem Pluto and MV Sai Baba have been targeted by Houthi attacks