Regional conflicts in the Middle East raises the security risk to merchant shipping, in particular vessels transiting the Red Sea and GoA.
Following the renewed intensification of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis continue to target vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
The following comprises the latest information and intelligence which will allow members in carrying out their voyage risk assessments.
Ambrey threat assessments
Maritime risk management experts Ambrey has issued a threat circular dated 12 February which summarises the Houthi targeting profile. This includes the following points from their executive summary:
QUOTE
- The Houthis continue to target Israeli, American, and British-linked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. So far in February, four vessels have been targeted by the Houthis, all with these affiliations.
- As well as the under-appreciation of historic links of vessels, there is a misperception in parts of the industry that having certain affiliations will altogether negate an attack.
- The broadening of Houthi targeting of Israeli-affiliations evidences that the target profiles are not fixed, and assessments should be revisited with every warning and event.
Full advisory at the following link: