Houthis Threaten Red Sea Shipping as Regional Conflict Deepens

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Sanaa : Yemen's Houthi movement has announced a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world's most important shipping routes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The Iran-aligned group said it had launched an attack on Israel and was imposing a total ban on Israeli shipping through the Red Sea. It warned that further measures could follow if tensions continue to escalate.

The announcement has heightened fears in global shipping and energy markets, as the Red Sea has become an increasingly important route for Middle Eastern oil exports during the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

A Houthi source indicated that blocking Israeli-linked vessels was only the first step and that future actions could target ships heading to Israeli ports, regardless of ownership.

Maritime security analysts said the declaration does not currently amount to a ban on all commercial shipping in the Red Sea. However, vessels operating in the region have been advised to increase security precautions and closely examine potential links to Israel.

Shipping industry officials warned that the move could have broader consequences because Houthi forces have previously targeted vessels that were not directly connected to Israel. Some operators may choose to reroute ships around Africa, despite the longer journey and higher fuel costs, to avoid security risks.

The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait are key gateways for global trade and energy supplies. Traffic through the route has already been reduced since Houthi attacks began during the Gaza conflict in late 2023, prompting major shipping companies to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

Pic Credit: AFP