All Saudi maritime traffic, characterizing it as SEVERE/CRITICAL. This development comes after Houthi rebels interdicted the UAE flagged MV Rwabee 23nm West of Ras Isa Marine Terminal, on 2nd January.
After the detention of the vessel, Saudi Arabian air defences intercepted and destroyed five drones launched by the Houthis.
The Saudi-led coalition also launched air strikes on targets in Yemen’s capital Sanaa in response to the vessel detention and drone attacks took place by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
In addition, on the 5th January 22 the Yemen Petroleum Company (YPC) claimed that the Saudi-led coalition had diverted to a Saudi port a fifth fuel vessel heading for the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah.
Essam al-Mutawakkal, who heads the YPC in Houthi areas, said five such fuel ships that had received United Nations clearances to enter Yemen were currently being detained by the coalition.
Subsequently on the 5th January 22, UKMTO issued an alert indicating a vessel had suffered a suspicious approach whilst in transit, 30nm west of the Yemeni port of Saleef.
Taking all of the above into consideration, Dryad Global made the following remarks:
- Risk to all commercial vessels transiting the lower Red Sea, east of the Hanish and Zubair Islands is SUBSTANTIAL.
- Risk to all commercial traffic calling at Saudi Red Sea ports is heightened from MODERATE to SUBSTANTIAL.
- Risk to all Saudi maritime traffic is SEVERE / CRITICAL.
Recommendations
1. Commercial maritime traffic transiting throughout the Red Sea should ensure that all transits are conducted West of the al Zubair and Hanish islands.
2. Full compliance with BMP5 is considered essential in areas of risk.
3. Vessel masters and company CSO’s should consider protocol in respect of interaction with state / militia forces i.e Saudi coalition vessels / Houthi rebels. In all cases vessels should comply and remain vigilant.
4. While the risk of Houthi interaction with lawful commercial maritime traffic operating within the wider Red Sea is assessed as LOW, vessels embarking PMSC should consider an armed security against the current threat from traditional maritime crime and piracy, against risk of escalation resulting from interaction with militant forces.