Sanaa, 24 December, 2023 (GNP): Houthi forces claimed responsibility for targeting two vessels in the Red Sea, citing “Israeli links,” prompting additional companies to suspend transit through the waterway.
The assaults on the Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic and the MSC Clara are the most recent in a series of maritime incidents causing disruptions in global trade, leading to heightened delays and escalating costs.
The US military reported that, a destroyer in the Red Sea successfully intercepted and neutralized 14 drones launched from areas under houthi forces control.
Five of the world’s six leading shipping companies, including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen, have declared they will refrain from sending ships through the Red Sea.
The Yemeni Houthi forces are attacking ships in the Red Sea as a demonstration of their solidarity with Gaza, Palestine against the Israeli aggression.
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On December 9, the Houthis declared their intention to target any ships bound for Israel, irrespective of their nationality, and cautioned international shipping companies against engaging with Israeli ports.
The Houthi spokesperson emphasized that unless Gaza receives essential food and medicine supplies, all ships in the Red Sea heading to Israeli ports will be considered targets by their armed forces, as stated in a press release on December 9.
Additionally, Britain’s BP has announced the suspension of oil transit through the Red Sea. Avoiding the Red Sea and Suez Canal necessitates circumnavigating Africa, significantly increasing both time and expenses for maritime journeys.
