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Houthis deploy missiles and drones to attack ships in southern Red Sea, naval group says
The Houthis have reportedly positioned missiles and drones to threaten shipping in the southern Red Sea, particularly at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital channel for global oil trade. The U.S.-led Joint Maritime Information Center has warned mariners of the heightened risk, although current traffic remains uninterrupted. Historical threats from the Houthis have prompted maritime advisories, and a notable drop in tanker traffic has been reported following the declaration of a maritime embargo against Saudi oil exports. The tension in the region is further exacerbated by Iran's increased aggression against shipping routes, contributing to ongoing geopolitical instability.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonGeopolitical risk: High
Published 22 Jul 2026, 13:55 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Houthis deploy missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- U.S. Navy warns mariners of potential shipping attacks.
- Saudi oil exports through Red Sea increased significantly.
- Maritime traffic continues without reported disruptions.
- A decline in traffic observed after Houthi embargo declaration.
Interesting facts
- Exports through the Yanbu terminal surged to 3.5 million barrels per day in June.
- Traffic through Bab el-Mandeb declined by 34% following the embargo announcement.
What changed