RIYADH, July 25 (KUNA) -- Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih said Wednesday the Kingdom is temporarily halting all oil shipments through Bab-El-Mandeb Strait.
The Saudi minister said in a press statement that the "terrorist Houthi militias' threats against oil tankers affect world trade and freedom of navigation at Bab-El-Mandeb Strait and in the Red Sea".
In this regard, he cited a relevant statement by the spokesman of the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, saying that "two Saudi Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), operated by Saudi shipping company, Bahri, transiting through Bab-El-Mandeb Strait, were attacked in the Red Sea by the terrorist Houthi militia this morning, Saudi time." "One of the VLCCs sustained minimal damage. However, fortunately, there were no injuries or oil spill that would have resulted in catastrophic environmental damage. Efforts are currently underway to move the damaged ship to the nearest Saudi port," he added.
The Minister indicated that Saudi Arabia is temporarily halting all oil shipments through Bab-El-Mandeb Strait until the situation becomes clearer and the maritime transit through Bab Al-Mandeb is safe. (end) mdm.mt