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Saudi tankers avoid Bab al-Mandab, sail via Africa amid Houthi threats
Six Saudi‑flagged oil tankers altered their routes in early June, bypassing the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait and sailing around the African continent. Data from MarineTraffic and the Windward intelligence platform showed the vessels heading south from the Gulf of Aden toward ports such as Durban and Port Elizabeth, instead of transiting the Red Sea. The change follows explicit threats from Yemen’s Houthi militia, which have warned they will target Saudi‑flagged ships in the Bab al‑Mandeb and the Red Sea. Kpler shipping data recorded about 20 vessels crossing the strait on the same days, but the Saudi tankers were absent, confirming the rerouting. Analysts link the Houthi warnings to Iranian backing, heightening maritime security concerns for global oil supplies.
The rerouting adds weeks to voyages and raises shipping costs, while underscoring the broader impact of the Yemen conflict on international trade routes.
Entities
Bab al‑Mandeb · Bab al‑Mandeb Strait · Durban, South Africa · Houthi rebels · Houthi rebels (Ansar Allah) · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia · MarineTraffic · Oman · Saudi Arabia · South Africa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Since November 2023, Houthi militia have attacked commercial vessels using missiles, drones, and explosive boats. s.alwakeelnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said there are no negotiations with the United States regarding Iran‑U.S. talks. okaznews.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The route changes were prompted by threats from Yemen’s Houthi militia to target Saudi‑flagged vessels. www.almashhad.news · s.alwakeelnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Marine Traffic recorded five Saudi tankers altering routes between Tuesday and Wednesday, including vessels named Gina, Lina, Barqan, and others. www.almashhad.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pakistani‑flagged tankers successfully transited the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandab after Pakistan warned the Houthi militia against targeting their ships. www.almashhad.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] On a recent day, 20 vessels – 12 oil tankers and 8 bulk carriers – passed through Bab al‑Mandab, matching the previous day's traffic. okaznews.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Six Saudi‑flagged oil tankers changed their routes in the Gulf of Aden to avoid Bab al‑Mandab and head south toward the Indian Ocean. s.alwakeelnews.com