2023-12-16 18:37:05
The giant CMA CGM, the leading French maritime carrier, announced on Saturday December 16 that it was suspending, like the Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd groups, the crossing of the Red Sea by its container ships after attacks perpetrated against ships by rebels Houthis in Yemen.
The group has “decided to order all CMA CGM container ships in the region, which must pass through the Red Sea, to reach safe zones” or not to leave waters deemed safe, “with immediate effect and until further notice”according to a communiqué. “The situation continues to deteriorate and security concerns are increasing”asserts CMA CGM to justify its decision.
On Friday, the Danish giant Maersk and the German Hapag-Lloyd announced a similar decision, the first ” until further notice “ and the second at least until Monday.
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Several missiles and drones shot down
In recent weeks, the Houthis have increased attacks near the strategic Bab Al-Mandab Strait, which separates the Arabian Peninsula from Africa and through which 40% of international trade passes.
Several missiles and drones were shot down by US and French warships patrolling the area. UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps announced on Saturday that the British destroyer HMS-Diamond had shot down during the night from Friday to Saturday a “alleged attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea”.
Yemeni rebels, close to Iran, have warned that they will target ships sailing off the coast of Yemen with links to Israel, in response to the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Read also: Who are the Yemeni Houthis involved in the war between Hamas and Israel?
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