The Joint Maritime Information Center warns that Houthi allies in Yemen have completed preparations to attack ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Joint Maritime Information Center warned mariners on Tuesday that Houthi militants have finished preparations to attack shipping at the southern access point of the Red Sea. The maritime security group, led by the U.S. Navy, noted that the Houthis have deployed missiles and drones near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to target vessels. The militants recently declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to block the kingdom's oil exports. While Riyadh has diverted millions of barrels per day through a pipeline to the Yanbu terminal, the threat of a closure remains a significant factor for global markets. Although commercial traffic continued through established lanes on Tuesday without immediate disruption, ship tracking firm Kpler observed a 34% decline in traffic following the embargo declaration. Meanwhile, Iran has increased pressure on global shipping by attacking tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. These attacks have resulted in several injuries and two deaths since July 6, as Iran seeks to force vessels to transit through its territorial waters.