The US-led naval coalition operating in the Red Sea has issued a warning to all ships, urging them to steer clear of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, as reported by the shipping association Intertanko. This advisory comes amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants on commercial vessels in the region and retaliatory actions by the US and UK.
Intertanko informed its members that the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) have advised ships to avoid the Gulf of Aden “while a period of taking stock of the situation is undertaken until daylight on Saturday 13 January” Since this recommendation, the UK Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) received reports of a missile launch targeting a vessel southeast of Aden, a lot further out from any of the recent assaults on shipping.
Tanker owners Hafnia, Stena Bulk, and Torm have announced their decision to halt ship movements through the southern Red Sea, joining other shipowners, including Euronav, in steering clear of the area. Tracking data indicates several vessels are altering their course away from the Red Sea as security concerns mount following the intensified attacks by the Houthis.
More vessel owners may follow in avoiding the region as recent airstrikes by the US and its allies targeted Houthi facilities in Yemen accused of launching attacks on commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea. These attacks were in response to continued provocations despite warnings issued by the US to stop targeting commercial ships.
Danish Maersk and German Hapag-Lloyd have extended diversions away from the Suez Canal following the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, which failed to fully deter Houthi attacks. Dryad Global, a marine security specialist, has advised its clients to suspend operations in the Red Sea for at least 72 hours due to the uncertain aftermath of the recent military engagement. The risk of immediate retaliation from Houthi forces remains high, posing a threat to vessels within their proximity.
