The Philippine government has issued a warning to mariners, advising them to steer clear of the Red Sea due to ongoing missile and drone attacks by Huthi rebels targeting merchant vessels in the crucial maritime corridor.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Filipino seafarers to avoid the area unless it is essential for their livelihoods, highlighting the significant threat posed by the escalating conflict in the Red Sea.
Filipino mariners were also reminded to exercise “prudent” judgment and to assert their right to refuse passage through this dangerous zone.
This caution comes in the wake of a recent attack on the Greek-flagged oil tanker, the ‘Sounion’, which was struck by multiple projectiles off the coast of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, controlled by the Huthi rebels.
The attack resulted in a fire and engine failure, though the 23 Filipino and two Russian crew members were rescued.
The Huthi rebels, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, framing it as part of their campaign against international shipping in support of Gaza amidst the Israel-Hamas war.
The Red Sea, a critical passage for global trade between Europe and Asia, is one of the busiest routes for cargo and oil shipments.
The Philippines, a key supplier of crew to the global shipping industry with over 400,000 mariners, has already seen nine ships with Filipino crew attacked by the Huthis, including one Filipino who remains missing and 17 others held captive since last year.
The Huthi rebels have declared that their operations against merchant shipping will persist until what they describe as “aggression” by Israel in Gaza ceases.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: UN Libya mission expresses concern over troop mobilisation in Tripoli as Central Bank control dispute intensifies