From the Liveblog of
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Maritime ‘security event’ reported in Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab area — UK maritime group
British maritime security firm Ambrey has received a report of a maritime security event in the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab area, the firm says in an advisory note, without elaborating.
It advises crews to minimize deck movements and only essential crew should be on the bridge.
In recent weeks, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have launched drone and missile strikes targeting commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
They say their strikes are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is battling Hamas terrorists in a war sparked by the October 7 onslaught.
The Houthis have warned they will target ships sailing in the Red Sea that have links to Israel, although a number of vessels have been targeted with no obvious connection.
Several missiles and drones have been shot down by US, French and British warships patrolling the area.
The attacks endanger a transit route that carries up to 12 percent of global trade, prompting the United States to set up a multinational naval task force to protect Red Sea shipping.
The Times of Israel Community.