Dr. Moritz Brake at "Deutschlandfunk" on Houthis attacks in the Red Sea Dr. Moritz Brake at "Deutschlandfunk" on Houthis attacks in the Red Sea

On July 10, the Houthis rebels sank the Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned merchant ship “Eternity C” off the Yemeni coast. For Dr. Moritz Brake, expert in maritime security, the latest attack by the Houthis proves that the rebel group continues to pose a threat to the safe passage of the Red Sea. According to Brake, the Houthis have a “very robust organization” and are always able to adapt their fighting tactics to new situations. The attacks are also part of a global strategy by the Houthis, which aims to take offensive action against the West. In order to prevent this, Germany must expand its security engagement in the Red Sea and adapt to the Houthis' attacks at a technical level. According to Brake, Western naval vessels in the Red Sea are using overly expensive and technically complex means to fend off Houthi attacks. The security expert pointed out that, at 1.5 to 2 million euros, the sea-based launch of a modern Western defensive missile would significantly exceed the cost of a 20,000-euro Huthi combat drone. In view of the deteriorating global economic situation – partly as a result of the crisis-ridden security situation in the Red Sea, which is hampering international maritime trade – the West must make the military fight against the Houthis more cost-effective. Germany's “vital national interests” are at stake, Brake summarizes.