The Telegraph: Repeating Western Military Tactics in the Red Sea is the “Definition of Insanity” in Facing the Houthis

NYN | Reports and analyses

The British newspaper The Telegraph reported that Western naval forces, led by the U.S. Navy, are facing unprecedented challenges in the Red Sea due to attacks by forces of the Sanaa government in support of Gaza. The report highlighted that shipping traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has significantly decreased, leading to additional shipping costs and rising prices in the UK and Europe.

In its report, the newspaper described the repetition of the same tactics with the expectation of different results as the “definition of insanity.” It added that the Western navy, led by the United States, has reached this situation in the Red Sea, explaining that there is an urgent need for change. “Otherwise, we will continue to face losses, and we may witness a disaster bigger than what we have faced so far.”

The report also noted that “Houthi attacks have increasingly targeted ships linked to Israel, and by December, these attacks had become so frequent that major shipping companies were forced to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Bab al-Mandeb.” According to the report, these companies made the decision due to increased risks and high insurance costs that were no longer acceptable.

The report added that “Houthi attacks have persisted despite defensive and offensive efforts by U.S. and European naval forces, as the frequency of attacks has not decreased, and about 60% of commercial ships continue to avoid passing through Bab al-Mandeb.”

The newspaper explained that “Houthi tactics have evolved over time, with increased use of surface drones, raising significant concerns due to the potential damage they could cause.” It pointed to the recent attack on the ship Sonion, where a missile strike was followed by a boarding party placing explosives on the ship, marking a new type of operation.

According to recent analyses by Lloyd’s List, 94% of the attacks on ships in the Red Sea were carried out using missiles, while drone usage alone accounted for only 3% of the attacks. “The Houthis have remained largely committed to using missiles as their primary tactic, with drones serving as a distraction or to enhance the main attack,” the report stated.

The newspaper also referenced a report from Lloyd’s List which revealed that in the past nine months, the Houthis targeted 83 ships, none of which were Russian or Chinese vessels, except for a Chinese ship linked to the Swiss company MSC, which deals with Israel.

Last December, two ships owned by MSC en route to Israel were attacked by forces of the Sanaa government, prompting the Swiss company, the world’s largest container shipping company, to announce a complete suspension of its ships’ passage through the Red Sea until further notice.

Despite 11 months passing since this situation began, the newspaper noted that little has changed. Ships continue to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs, putting pressure on the shipping fleet, causing port congestion, and accelerating the wear and tear on ship engines and hulls due to longer distances.

The report added that these developments have led to price increases in the UK and Europe, as those countries primarily relied on trade via the Red Sea.

At the same time, the newspaper confirmed that Western naval forces, led by the United States, continue to use expensive weapons, such as defensive missiles, without achieving tangible results.

Consequently, the newspaper emphasized the urgent need to change the current strategy in the Red Sea, as the continuation of the current situation is leading to greater losses.

It pointed out that the available options to deal with the Houthis include stopping them from carrying out attacks either through negotiation or by finding ways to force them to stop. However, the newspaper noted that the latter option poses a significant challenge, as it would require complex military operations involving ground forces.

In conclusion, the newspaper stated that repeating the current methods while expecting different results is indeed the “definition of insanity,” especially when operating within the enemy’s missile range. It stressed the need for a change in strategy in the Red Sea, warning that continuing the current approach will inevitably lead to further losses.