Maersk has announced that it has halted all shipping through the Red Sea until further notice after yesterdayʹs attack by Houthi militants. The attack, which struck two Saudi oil tankers, is believed to have been carried out by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.
The company said in a statement: “We have suspended all operations that transit the Red Sea until further notice. All vessels currently in the area will be given direction to depart the area.”
The attack on the oil tankers comes after weeks of heightened tensions in the region, as the Saudi-led coalition continues its campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The coalition accused the rebels of launching a bombing campaign using drones and missiles, which has killed dozens of civilians in Yemen.
Maersk’s announcement comes amid security concerns for vessels traveling through the Red Sea, the route of which is used by much of the world’s shipping to and from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Maersk said it was engaging with customers affected by the suspension of operations and would provide up-to-date information on the situation in the area.
The attack on the oil tankers will likely have a significant impact on trade through the Red Sea. With the situation in the region remaining volatile, it remains to be seen when operations can resume in the area.
