War and Houthi threat to shipping resume in Middle East

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire has been declared over with a resumption of operations in the Gaza Strip, reports risk intelligence specialist Ambrey, while the US are in the process of conducting an extensive campaign against Ansar Allah (‘the Houthis’).

Merchant shipping is therefore one more at risk of collateral damage offshore Israel, it warns, with Israel-affiliated shipping – including companies that trade with Israel - particularly at risk of targeting in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In addition, a continuation of the US campaign against the Houthis is assessed to “highly likely increase the risk to US merchant shipping”, Ambrey adds.

Furthermore, the US has increasingly threatened Iran with military action since talks have not been established, it points out, and US shipping and related tankers are therefore assessed to be at risk of Iranian retaliation.