Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude for China and India made unexpected U-turns in the Red Sea on Tuesday, opting to head towards the Suez Canal instead of navigating through the Yemeni coast at the sea's mouth. This decision comes after a warning from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia.
The Houthi warning appears to have prompted the tankers to alter their course, avoiding potential risks associated with passing through the Yemeni coast. The Suez Canal, a vital shipping route, provides a safer alternative for vessels traveling between Asia and Europe. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the impact on global maritime trade.