Strait of Hormuz Traffic Declines
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased significantly. Data from Reuters shows that only eight vessels made the transit recently. This marks the lowest count in a week, amid the ongoing conflict that began on February 28. Previously, about 130 ships passed through the waterway daily. The current average over 10 days was approximately 12, indicating a major reduction.
Escalation in Houthi Attacks
The Houthi rebels have intensified their assaults, leading to fatalities in the Red Sea. A strike by the Houthis resulted in six deaths on a cargo ship, marking the first known casualties from these attacks. The situation heightened when the Houthis also targeted the port city of Mokha, causing further loss of life. This development occurred amid hostilities in Yemen, causing civilian and military casualties.
Further strikes by the Houthi rebels against Yemeni government forces and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia signal a potential resurgence in Yemen’s conflict. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, representing the Houthis, accused Saudi Arabia of exploiting a ceasefire. He emphasized the need to lift an ongoing blockade for negotiations to proceed.
U.S. Military Actions in the Gulf of Oman
The U.S. military took action against a Panama-flagged vessel, the Vela Nova, attempting to breach a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired upon the vessel, which ignored repeated warnings. Although it is unclear if there were any injuries, the vessel has ceased its transit to Iran. U.S. Central Command reported having disabled three similar vessels and redirected multiple others.
The U.S. blockade remains strict, affecting numerous non-compliant commercial vessels, as part of broader military efforts in the region.
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