Houthi Red Sea Attacks Hit 3 Oil Tankers as Dozens of Ships Still Transit Blockade
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 25
Houthi Red Sea Attacks Hit 3 Oil Tankers as Dozens of Ships Still Transit Blockade
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 25
Summary
At least three oil tankers were attacked in the Red Sea this week, including one strike reported late Friday, even as dozens of vessels continued using the route after the Houthis declared a blockade.
Shipping data still show traffic moving through the passage, but uncertainty is rising as some vessels make U-turns or reverse voyages bound for India, China and other destinations.
A sustained disruption would deepen pressure on global trade because the Bab al-Mandab has become more critical while the Strait of Hormuz—once carrying a fifth of world oil supply—has remained largely cut off during the wider Iran-US conflict.
Saudi Arabia has already rerouted millions of barrels a day from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea by pipeline, leaving much of that oil dependent on the strait near Houthi-controlled territory.