Houthis Plan A Seminar On Security Of Navigation In The Red Sea

A year after Houthis targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Group is planning a seminar and a webinar on the ‘security of navigation in the Red Sea.’

The Group has reached out to industry stakeholders and professionals to get ideas and insights to enrich the discussion.

An email was sent to TradeWinds by an event manager for the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOOC), which has evoked the interest of the maritime community.

HOOC had previously issued warnings to shipping companies and ship owners that ships failing to cooperate with Houthis and their laws would be banned from transiting the Red Sea. It included warnings which said that ships calling at Ports in Israel would be targeted by Yemen’s Armed Forces.

However, the new email had a softer tone and invited industry stakeholders and professionals to discuss the present state of navigational security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and the role of Yemen in ensuring safe passage for ships.

“Within the framework of enhancing cooperation and discussing issues of common interest,” the email read, “your active participation will undoubtedly contribute to ensuring the success of this event and achieving the desired effect.”

Experts have warned that responding to it could inadvertently mean legitimising the Group’s activities.

Whether the invitation will be accepted by maritime authorities and other industry leaders, remains to be determined.

Reference: TradeWinds

Source: Maritime Shipping News