The Houthi rebels in Yemen are targeting German ships. The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) and several shipping companies have received threatening emails.
These threats are directed against ships calling at Israeli ports and against all ships passing through the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, according to the VDR. Even regardless of their location, ships with alleged links to Israel are apparently considered potential targets.
Irina Haesler, member of the VDR Executive Board and responsible for maritime security policy, explains: “The Houthi rebels obviously have well-researched email addresses, as the threats were also sent to individualised contacts.” These are targeted attempts at intimidation.
Almost 200 ships attacked by Houthi
German shipowners take these threats very seriously and are in constant contact with the security authorities. It is clear that the risk to shipping in the crisis region remains high.
Since October 2023, when the Gaza war began, the Iranian-backed paramilitaries have been attacking international shipping – almost 200 times so far. German ships have also been affected. International missions such as the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and the EU Operation Atalanta have so far been unable to contain the threat. Several sailors have lost their lives and numerous ships have been hijacked, sunk or severely damaged.
In order to avoid serious attacks and possible consequences for ships and crews, German shipping companies, like most of their colleagues, are diverting their ships around the southern tip of Africa. This detour takes almost two weeks longer and incurs high costs.
