SINGAPORE: Two Chinese very large crude carriers carrying a combined 4 million barrels of Saudi Arabian oil are heading toward the Bab El-Mandeb strait to exit the Red Sea on Thursday, shipping data showed, even as a Saudi vessel came under attack in the region. The ships’ attempt to transit the strait will clearly test how tightly the Houthis will impose the naval blockade on Saudi Arabia they announced on Monday. The group said they attacked two Saudi tankers with drones and missiles earlier on Thursday.

Satellite view of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital trade route linking the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Suez Canal, and Mediterranean.Gallo Images | Orbital Horizon |…

Saudi-led coalition vows to protect Bab el-Mandeb shipping lanes amid Houthi threats. Houthi success targeting shipping by July 31 at 52.5% YES.