Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea, carrying out attacks on an oil tanker and another vessel on Tuesday. This marks the first such attacks in weeks, as the Iran-backed militants have previously targeted merchant ships in support of Hamas in Gaza.
The repeated attacks have raised concerns among shipping companies, leading many to opt for longer routes via the southern tip of the African continent to avoid the dangerous waters of the Red Sea. The heightened risks in the region have prompted discussions about the need for increased security measures to protect commercial vessels navigating through these waters.
France 24’s Yuka Royer spoke with Jakob P. Larsen, Head of Maritime Safety & Security at Bimco, about the risks posed by the Houthi rebel attacks and the potential impact on maritime trade in the region. The attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the various actors involved in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, it remains to be seen how shipping companies and authorities will adapt to the evolving threats posed by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
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Video “Houthi rebels attack commercial ships in the Red Sea again • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/01/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English