U.S. plans task force in Red Sea

The U.S. is working with allies to set up a task force against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, affecting commercial trade passing through one of the world’s most vital waterways

USS Mason: Arleigh Burke-  class destroyer deployed  to Red Sea


Mediterranean Sea
ISRAEL
Gaza
IRAQ
IRAN
JORDAN
Strait of Hormuz
SUMED pipeline
SAUDI
200km  125 miles 
Persian Gulf
ARABIA
Suez
Canal
Gulf of Oman
EGYPT
UAE
OMAN 
SUDAN
Red Sea
INDIAN 
OCEAN 
YEMEN
ERITREA
Gulf of Aden
ETHIOPIA

SOMALIA

Houthis: Attacking commercial ships with drones and anti-ship missiles as part of pressure campaign over Israel-Hamas war in Gaza

Around 23,000 ships and 10% of global trade pass through Bab el-Mandeb Strait every year

Insurance costs  for shippers have doubled due to attacks. Some Israeli- linked vessels have started taking longer route around Africa

Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Named Gate of Tears in Arabic for its perilous navigation, strait is only 29km wide at one point with traffic restricted to two channels – one inbound and one outbound


YEMEN
Perim Island
Shipping lanes
Bab el-Mandeb
DJIBOUTI
5km 3 miles


Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, AP, Global Security Picture: Newscom © GRAPHIC NEWS