GLOBAL shipping faces significant risks as escalating tensions and airstrikes in the Middle East threaten the safety of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Dryad Global has advised against the transit of Israeli-linked vessels through these regions until further notice. “Perceived affiliation with Israel may include past or partial ownership or management of a vessel, past or expected transit via Israeli ports. Vessels linked with NATO countries are also assessed to be at heightened risk when transiting these waters,” the Dryad Global report said.
The conflict intensified on July 19, 2024, when Yemeni Houthis launched a missile at Tel Aviv, marking the first drone strike from Yemen to hit the city. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, specifically the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.
Tensions further increased on July 27, when a Hezbollah rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights killed 12 children and teenagers. Israel’s subsequent airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and along the border deepened the conflict.
On July 28, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made statements perceived as threats to invade Israel, while the Houthis warned Indian merchant ships to cease support for Israel or face attacks. On July 30, Israeli fighter jets targeted Hezbollah’s senior military officer in southern Beirut, leading to civilian casualties.
The situation escalated further on July 31, when Hamas reported the death of its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in a missile strike in Tehran, marking the second direct Israeli attack on Iranian soil this year.
“This sequence of escalatory events will likely lead to retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory and assets in the coming days. It is assessed that these are highly likely to impact commercial shipping through increased Houthi airstrikes on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, as well as IRGCN seizures of merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” Dryad Global further cautioned.
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