By Admin 
Dozens of ships are passing through the narrow Bab al-Mandeb strait despite continued threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This information has come to light from the New York Times’ shipping data analysis. However, the report emphasizes that due to conflict and increasing uncertainty over maritime security, many ships are having to change their routes and take U-turns before completing their journeys.
Last week, Houthi rebels targeted at least three oil tankers. The most recent of these attacks took place on Friday. Any continued disruption in the Red Sea could be another blow to global trade, which is already under pressure from the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The ongoing war between America and Iran is now in its fifth month. Due to this, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been badly affected. This is an important sea route, through which earlier about one-fifth of the world’s total oil supply passed.
Saudi is sending oil through pipeline
Amid Middle East tensions and attacks, Saudi Arabia is sending millions of barrels of crude oil daily through an overland pipeline that connects the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. A large part of this crude oil subsequently passes through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow and vital passage located near Houthi-controlled territory. The threat to this alternative supply line has increased because earlier this week the Houthis announced plans to target ships belonging to Saudi Arabia.
43 ships crossed Bab el-Mandeb
According to tracking data from maritime company Kpler, early signs revealed a blockage immediately. About a dozen ships either turned back or avoided passing through the strait altogether. Kpler’s data showed that marine activity has not declined uniformly. 43 ships transited the Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday, up from 35 the previous day.
This happened when the Houthis took responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers. A Saudi-allied ship was also targeted in the Red Sea on Friday. Officials confirmed minor damage and said there were no casualties, allowing the ship to proceed on its way.
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