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 focal point of concern in recent months due to Houthi attacks on shipping vessels.
The Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint is a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and its security has been a major concern for international shipping companies. The Houthi rebels have been known to target vessels passing through the area, which has led to increased tensions and a heightened sense of alertness among maritime operators.