Image credit: Photo courtesy IMO
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has recently completed a diplomatic tour of Red Sea countries to address the escalating crisis caused by Houthi attacks.
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have launched numerous attacks on ships in the region, resulting in fatalities, ship sinkings, and significant damage to vessels. These attacks have forced many shipping companies to reroute their vessels, increasing transit times, emissions, and costs.
The IMO chief expressed deep concern about the impact of these attacks on global trade and seafarer safety. He emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and called for a resolution to the crisis.
During his diplomatic mission, Dominguez met with government officials to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions. He stressed the need for international cooperation to ensure the safety of shipping in the Red Sea.
However, the Houthi group has shown no signs of backing down and has even threatened to expand its maritime blockade to include vessels linked to Israel. This escalation further complicates the situation and poses significant risks to global shipping.