Nine Ships Divert from Bab al-Mandab Strait Amid Saudi Port Blockade
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, at least nine ships have abandoned their planned passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait after Saudi Arabian ports were declared under blockade. This announcement, reported by the French News Agency (AFP) citing Al-Masirah TV, includes vessels carrying oil from the port of Yanbu.
The International Chamber of Shipping also reported that ships received warnings from Yemeni forces. These warnings indicated that vessels defying orders would become targets for attacks. This development follows a declaration by Ansar Allah of Yemen last Monday imposing a shipping ban on Saudi Arabia, a move that could potentially open a new front in the ongoing conflict.
In communications directed at shipping companies, Ansar Allah threatened to target any ship involved in loading or unloading Saudi oil, underscoring the heightened risks for maritime commerce in the region.
