The command of Operation "Shields" now assesses the possibility of an attack by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea as more likely. Specifically, in a statement, Operation "Shields" for the safety of navigation in the Red Sea increases the risk of attacks by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea and the Bad el-Mandeb Strait to high to moderate.
At the same time, it keeps the risk in the northern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at a moderate level.
Operation "Shields": Significant escalation of the latest attacks by the Houthis
The announcement on July 20 by the Houthis of the naval embargo and the subsequent attacks on the MV ENCELIA on July 22 "represent a significant escalation" of the Houthi strategy, the statement said.
Houthi attacks, the Operation Shields briefing added, are "very likely to cause political, military and economic pressure in order to meet their demands."
However, the "Shields" operation notes that "about 43 ships pass daily" through the Red Sea with the pace not affected so far by the new situation.
Operation Shields continues to protect ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
