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 assessment
Maritime risk management experts Ambrey issued its latest threat circular on 3 May 2024 on the Houthis announcement on targeting vessels. This is summarised by:
- In the afternoon of the 3 May 2024, the Houthis announced that they would “immediately” target vessels headed to Israel from the Mediterranean Sea.
- The Houthis are assessed to possess the range to target shipping in the east Mediterranean Sea from Yemen.
- The Houthis and other Iranian-backed ‘Islamic Resistance’ groups based in the eastern Mediterranean may attempt to target shipping offshore.
- These groups have had limited success targeting Israeli ports, causing minor damage to Eilat. Though not widely reported, they have targeted offshore Israeli infrastructure.
- Merchant shipping headed towards Israeli ports is strongly advised to review their security measures as outlined below.
- In the event the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launch an offensive on Rafah, the Houthis have threatened to target any nationality of ships and companies in their area of operations that are known to be supplying and entering Israel.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://north-standard.com/insights/news/red-sea-security-threat-to-shipping/