Amid the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, following Houthi attacks on ships in this internationally important shipping lane, and American counter-strikes on the group’s positions in Yemen, Russian warships also entered the line.

The Russian Pacific Fleet announced on Thursday that several Russian warships had crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait into the Red Sea.

He also added that the cruiser (Varyag) and the frigate (Marshal Shaposhnikov) are participating in the regular cruise in the waters of the world, according to what was reported by TASS, without adding further details.

Timing sensitive

This announcement comes at a sensitive security and political time, as the Red Sea region has become crowded with warships, especially American ones, amid the escalation of Houthi attacks on cargo ships since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip last October.

It also comes with the escalation of tension between Moscow and the West, especially the United States, which strongly stood by Ukraine against the Russian attack on its territory.

The level of this tension has risen significantly since the ISIS attack on a theater on the outskirts of Moscow, which some Russian officials accused Kiev and Washington of standing behind it and providing raids on its perpetrators.

It is noteworthy that since November 19, the Houthi group has targeted about 73 ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, with drones and missiles (according to their numbers), claiming that they are linked to Israel or heading to its ports, in support of the Gaza Strip, which has been witnessing a violent Israeli war since October 7.

These attacks forced companies to switch to a longer and more expensive route around Africa.

It also led to the sinking of a cargo ship named "Rubimar", which was loaded with dangerous materials. One of the attacks also resulted in the death of 3 sailors as a result of a missile attack on the ship True Confidence, which was flying the Barbados flag and was operated by Greece.

In addition, these attacks fueled fears that the war between Israel and Hamas would destabilize the Middle East region.