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East Africa and the Indian Ocean
Yemen: Saudi Royal Navy highlights maritime security in Gulf of Aden
31 August
The commander of the Saudi Royal Navy emphasised the importance of maritime security in the southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the strait of Bab el Mandeb. The commander applauded the role of partners in the Saudi-led Arab coalition in maintaining security in these waters, while also stressing the need to counter the Houthi threat to maritime traffic.
PGI Analysis:
The Saudi-led coalition is conducting a bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, both on land and at sea. According to local reports, the coalition has been accused of targeting fishing boats in the Red Sea, misidentifying them as vessels smuggling weapons to the Houthi militants and raising tensions between fishing communities and coalition forces in the area. Unconfirmed reports indicate such tensions could be driving fishing communities to participate in attacks against vessels thought to be associated with Saudi forces. Unidentified assailants in the Bab el Mandeb and southern Red Sea have carried out repeated attacks on both military and commercial vessels during the conflict.
Select Maritime News
The following is a selection of other maritime-relevant incidents available on PGI’s Risk Portal:
Bangladesh: Japanese firm wins USD 1.48 bn port development project in country
China: Thousands of fisherman head for South China Sea after lifting fishing ban
China: US sets schedule for South China Sea patrols
East Timor: Canberra, Dili reach deal on maritime border
Ghana: Haulage drivers stage sit-in at Tema port
Libya: Navy seizes foreign oil tanker, trawler
Malaysia: Authorities set fire to foreign boat illegally fishing off Kelantan
Sri Lanka: Police say country key transit hub for narcotics from South America
Sri Lanka: Authorities seek aid in curbing drug trafficking
Tunisia: Navy detains foreign vessel for illegal fishing
United Kingdom: Brexit deal delay threatens maritime imports
Venezuela: Robbers steal from tanker at Puerto La Cruz
Vietnam: Hanoi protests Chinese military exercises in South China Sea |
