Shipping giants pause route as attacks intensify

Rising tensions: The Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by the Houthis last month, is seen off the coast of Yemen. The group is now mounting drone and missile attacks against ships on the vital trade route. — Reuters.

Washington: Spiralling attacks on merchant ships by Houthi militants off the coast of Yemen have prompted widespread trade disruption with some of the world’s biggest vessel owners evaluating whether it’s safe to send crews through the Red Sea.

Two of the world’s largest container shipping lines said last Friday that they were pausing transits through the Red Sea after their vessels were attacked.