Red Sea Threat: US, Israeli and Saudi-Linked Ships Receive Warnings

The European Union's Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, has warned ships linked to the US, Israel or Saudi Arabia to avoid passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to ship tracking data, at least four oil tankers changed their route yesterday. Greece has also issued a warning to Greek-flagged ships. The European Union's Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, has advised ships linked to the US, Israel or Saudi Arabia to avoid passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden due to the risk of attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. 'EUNAVFOR Aspides recommends that ships linked to Israeli, US or Saudi interests avoid transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden until the threat level decreases' the statement read. According to ship tracking data, at least four oil tankers changed their course in the Red Sea on Wednesday, with two of them showing the Suez Canal as their next destination. Meanwhile, the Greek government has warned Greek-flagged ships about 'increasing risks' in the Red Sea and advised them to coordinate with EU naval forces. The conflict that started with US and Israeli attacks has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy markets. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a blockade against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed that Saudi Arabia had launched an air strike on Sanaa International Airport, targeting a plane carrying Houthi leaders returning from a funeral in Iran. In retaliation, the Houthis targeted Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones and announced a 'naval blockade' against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis also warned that they could completely block the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern entrance to the Red Sea, if tensions escalate. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a critical waterway through which approximately 7.8 to 8.8 million barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products pass every day.