On 14 March 2025, after Friday prayer, protesters held large Houthi-sponsored protests in different districts of Raymah governorate (coded to governorate capital Al Jabin) (Al Jabin) in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and with Houthi actions against the 'Zionist enemy' in the context of the latest round of violence in Israel-Palestine, and denouncing the 'crimes' against the civilians by the new regime in Syria.

Summary

On March 14, 2025, large-scale pro-Houthi peace demonstrations occurred in Raymah Governorate, Yemen, aimed at Palestinian solidarity and condemnation of Syria's new government. The current risk level is assessed as low, but this is interpreted as an indicator reflecting regional instability in the Middle East.

Supply-chain impact

• Increased likelihood of continued Houthi maritime attacks on shipping routes around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
• Sustained pressure to choose alternative routes for Asia-Europe container shipping via Red Sea-Suez Canal
• Direct logistics disruption from inland Yemen protests remains limited, but concerns over prolonged maritime threats due to strengthened Houthi cohesion
• Middle East energy transport route instability acting as a factor driving up global crude oil and LNG shipping costs

Watch points

• Trends in frequency changes of Houthi attacks on vessels around the Red Sea-Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the next two weeks
• Changes in major shipping companies' ratio of Red Sea transit vs. Cape of Good Hope detour route selections
• Whether additional large-scale protests spread within Yemen and the impact on logistics infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas