A Hong Kong-flagged supertanker has made a sudden U-turn while en route to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu, just before reaching the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. The strategic waterway has been a hotspot for maritime security concerns in recent times.
The supertanker's decision to change course comes as the region remains on high alert due to the presence of Houthi rebels in the area. The Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint is a critical shipping lane that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and its security is crucial for global trade. The incident highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by mariners navigating this sensitive region.