Houthi attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping

Analysts warn that recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels may raise oil and goods prices. Companies, including Maersk, are diverting shipments via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to avoid the affected route, causing potential delays, as explained by Guy Platten from the International Chamber of Shipping.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that the disruption has led the United States to launch an international naval operation to protect ships on the Red Sea route with US defence secretary Lloyd Austin holding a virtual meeting with ministers from more than 40 countries on Tuesday, and called on more nations to contribute to the security efforts. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and consumer goods. It is bookended by the Bab al-Mandab Strait – also known as the Gate of Tears – in the south near the coast of Yemen and the Suez Canal in the north.