Due to the threat of attacks by Yemeni rebels, global shipping companies have suspended journeys through the Red Sea. This decision has the potential to disrupt crucial trade routes passing through the Suez Canal.

On Friday, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, Maersk, said it was suspending its vessels’ passage through a key Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on merchant ships.

“Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice,” the Danish company said a statement to AFP.

After one of its ships was attacked by the Houthis, German shipping operator Hapag-Lloyd declared that it would also stop Red Sea container ship traffic until December 18.

“Hapag-Lloyd is interrupting all container ship traffic across the Red Sea until Monday,” the company said in a statement sent to AFP.

The decision to halt journeys through the Red Sea follows a series of attacks on vessels originating from a Yemeni region controlled by the Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel movement. The group has expressed support for Hamas and claims to target ships traveling to Israel.

The moves will increase pressure on the US and its allies to improve security along one of the world’s most important trade corridors to avoid undermining the global economic recovery. An international trade group called for more military support to end the attacks.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most crucial routes for oil and fuel shipments.

The Houthis claim that their attacks aim to end Israel's conflict with the Hamas terror group. However, as the attacks persist, the connections to the targeted ships have become increasingly uncertain.

“The Yemeni armed forces confirm they will continue to prevent all ships heading to Israeli ports from navigating in the (Red Sea) until they bring in the food and medicine that our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip need,” the Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement claiming responsibility for Friday’s attacks.

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