Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated their maritime operations, targeting vessels linked to Israeli ports, regardless of flag or ownership. Their military spokesperson announced this “fourth phase” of their campaign against Israel, urging global pressure to end Israeli aggression. Recent attacks have resulted in casualties and heightened regional tensions.
The missile strike on the Magic Seas and the sinking of the Eternity C should have drawn global attention, particularly in the Philippines. Yet, for Filipino seafarers, it was just another perilous day at sea. As companies profit, these workers face escalating dangers, often treated as collateral damage in global conflicts.
French shipping company CMA CGM confirms its plans to increase ships passing through the Suez Canal, in contrast to Maersk’s announcement to divert all ships to Red Sea routes. Shippers are avoiding the Red Sea due to increased attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters. Reuters © 2024.
Denmark’s Maersk is considering rerouting ships around Africa after an attack on one of its vessels in the Red Sea. The company suspended Red Sea sailings for 48 hours after the attack by Yemen-based Houthi fighters. Major shipping companies are avoiding the Red Sea routes, impacting the world’s container shipping.
The US Treasury Department’s OFAC announced actions against financial networks supporting Houthi forces in Yemen to secure international shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, threatened by increasing Houthi aggression. Sanctions target Iranian financial assistance and aim to disrupt illicit fund flow, protect global shipping interests, and maintain regional stability.
