What is happening in the Red Sea is a consequence of the war in the Middle East. Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen are carrying out attacks on ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. As Western countries continue to support Israel, the Houthis attack their ships. The Houthis believe that by doing so, they are putting pressure on the war to end.
Rebels have repeatedly launched missile and drone strikes on merchant ships in the Red Sea in recent weeks.
The United States emphasizes that the attacks are already measured in tens. Shipping companies are forced to avoid the Suez Canal and use a much longer detour.
PHOTO: SCREEN OPENING/TV3 NEWS
Arsenio Domingess
Secretary General of the UN International Maritime Organization
Some 18 shipping companies have already decided to reroute their ships around South Africa to reduce attacks on ships and their impact, particularly on seafarers. This means an additional 10 days of longer travel and of course a negative impact on trade as well as an increase in freight rates.
Content continues after commercial
Advertising
Others in the industry say the time spent on the road could increase by as much as two weeks. This means a significant jump in costs, which will also be felt by consumers. The increase in prices for certain groups of goods in Europe will be felt in the next few weeks, experts warn. But there are also concerns about the escalation of the conflict.
Currently, several countries, led by the United States, have issued a broad but clear warning to the Houthi rebels that such actions are unacceptable and will have consequences. There is speculation that the US could also try to contain the rebels with airstrikes if there is no way out.
2024-01-04 18:53:27
#Cargo #ships #Africa #due #Red #Sea #attacks #Prices #rise #Europe
