Six Saudi oil tankers are sailing away from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint and appeared to be embarking on an unusual trip around Africa as threats from Houthi rebels upend shipping in the Red Sea.
The move is a rare deviation from the traditional shipping route, which takes vessels through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean Sea. By sailing around Africa, the tankers will add several days to their journey, but avoid the risks associated with the Red Sea chokepoint. The decision highlights the growing concerns among shippers and governments about the security of the Bab el-Mandeb, which has been targeted by Houthi rebels in recent months.