The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels say they forced eight Saudi oil tankers to alter course, claiming the vessels must now sail around the Cape of Good Hope — a move that would significantly lengthen journeys to Asia. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the claim. The action follows a Houthi-declared naval blockade and raises concerns about the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, though Kpler reported 47 recent transits and the Houthis say they will not charge transit fees.
Houthis Claim Eight Saudi Oil Tankers Were Forced To Reroute Around Cape of Good Hope
FILE PHOTO - Armed members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against US and Israel. (is associated with: «Houthis say they forced eight Saudi oil tankers to change course») Osamah Yahya/dpa
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen said on Saturday they compelled eight Saudi oil tankers to change course as part of a declared blockade targeting Saudi energy exports.
The group said the vessels would now have to sail around the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa to reach their destinations — a diversion that would markedly lengthen voyage times and raise costs for shipments bound for Asia.
Saudi authorities have not publicly confirmed the Houthis' claim.
Background
Last week the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, which they described as a response to what they call a long-standing Saudi siege of Houthi-held areas. Yemen has been engulfed in a devastating conflict since Houthi forces seized the capital, Sana'a, and other northern areas in late 2014.
Since then, a Saudi-led coalition has supported Yemen's internationally recognised government in efforts to roll back Houthi advances. The Houthis are widely described as receiving support from Iran, a factor that has heightened regional tensions.
Maritime Impact
The Houthis control or exert influence over areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic chokepoint that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and routes onward to the Suez Canal and Asia. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption there could add pressure to global trade routes already sensitive to regional tensions, including those involving the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite those concerns, shipping activity has continued: data provider Kpler reported that 47 vessels transited the Bab al-Mandab on Friday in both directions. The Houthis have also said they do not plan to charge transit fees for ships passing through the waterway.
Note: These accounts are based on Houthi statements and have not been independently verified by Saudi authorities.
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