On 17 March 2025, protesters held a large Houthi-sponsored protest in Uzlat Al Aqibah region (Far Al Udayn, Ibb) in solidarity with the Palestinian people, denouncing the US strikes in Yemen, and in support of Houthi actions against the 'Zionist enemy' in the context of the latest round of violence in Israel-Palestine. Houthi-affiliated political officials took part in the protest.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 17, 2025, large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations led by Houthi rebels occurred in the Ibb region of Yemen. While the protests proceeded peacefully, they condemned U.S. airstrikes on Yemen and supported Houthi attacks against Israel, reflecting heightened tensions in the Middle East region. Although currently classified as low-level demonstrations, they reveal the political backdrop of Houthi activities related to Red Sea shipping stability.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Persistent Red Sea shipping route instability concerns: Strengthened anti-Israeli sentiment among Houthi rebels may sustain threats to global container and energy transport routes passing through the Red Sea
• Crude oil and LNG transport risks: Yemen's coastline serves as a key route for Middle Eastern energy exports, and increased Houthi political activities are a factor that heightens energy supply-chain uncertainty
• Increased Suez Canal bypass shipping: Continued increases in transport via the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea route avoidance, extending shipping costs and lead times
• Global manufacturing parts supply delays: Disruptions to Asia-Europe manufacturing parts transport routes affecting industries such as automotive and electronics

3) Watch points

• Need to track changes in frequency and intensity of Houthi maritime attacks, particularly trends in drone and missile attacks targeting commercial vessels
• Monitor whether U.S. and coalition military operations expand within Yemen and observe corresponding changes in Houthi retaliatory attack patterns