Egypt warns Bab al-Mandab instability threatens Suez Canal

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has expressed grave concerns regarding maritime instability in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, noting that such disruptions pose a direct threat to the Suez Canal.

Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's stance on full de-escalation rather than military solutions, stressing the necessity of ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. He highlighted that Egypt has been significantly impacted by previous shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, reporting that net losses to the country, specifically regarding Suez Canal revenues, have approached $11 billion.

The minister noted that Cairo remains in constant communication with the legitimate Yemeni government and regional and international partners to reduce tensions. The concerns stem from the Houthi group's influence near the vital maritime corridor, which has previously prompted international shipping companies to divert vessels away from the Suez Canal to avoid conflict zones.