Kuwait Oil Tanker Company has decided to halt the passage of its tankers in the Red Sea temporarily. This decision comes in response to the evolving situation in the Red Sea region and the Gulf of Aden. Sources familiar with the matter reported that the temporary suspension will be subject to continuous periodic review until the situation in the region stabilizes, reported Al-Rai Daily.
The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation remains fully committed to fulfilling its contracts with various countries by utilizing foreign tankers. Over the past two months, the Yemeni Houthi group has been carrying out attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. They claim that these ships are either linked to Israel or heading towards Israeli ports, as an act of solidarity with Gaza.
In an effort to deter the Houthis and safeguard navigation in this strategically significant region, through which 12 percent of global trade passes, American and British forces initiated a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen starting from January 12.
In response to the airstrikes, the Houthis have begun targeting American and British ships in the region, considering their interests to be “legitimate targets.” The decision made by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company to temporarily suspend the passage of its tankers underscores the growing concerns over the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This move aims to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the protection of valuable assets.
