Yemen’s Houthi rebels have formally notified shippers and insurers of a ban on vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., and Britain from sailing in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.
The ban follows a missile attack that ignited a cargo vessel off Yemen’s southern coast, as Houthi militants continue drone and missile strikes in strategic maritime areas.
The Houthi ban targets ships owned by Israeli, U.S., or British individuals/entities or flying their flags in specified regions. The Houthis claim the ban aims to ensure the safe passage of ships unrelated to Israel.
The ongoing attacks have disrupted a crucial global maritime route, impacting shipping insurance premiums. A U.S.-led coalition is responding to incidents, including a recent missile strike on a UK-owned, Palau-flagged ship en route from Thailand to Egypt.
The Houthi ban, formalized through their Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, adds complexity to an already challenging maritime situation. U.S. and British forces initiated retaliatory strikes in January, but Houthi attacks persist, raising concerns about the security and safety of cargo vessels in the region.
