Suez Canal Unaffected by Yemen Escalation: Head of Canal Authority

Osama Rabie, the head of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), stated that navigation in the Suez Canal was smooth in both directions. According to Rabie, 44 ships, carrying a total net cargo of 2.3 million tonnes, passed through the canal on Saturday. 

Rabie affirmed the SCA's commitment to direct communication with shipping companies, coordinating with maritime lines to support the maritime community and ensure global supply chain sustainability. This statement follows news of US-UK strikes on Houthi strongholds in the Yemeni capital and a warning from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) for ships to avoid the Bab al-Mandab strait due to the strikes. 

The Egyptian government expressed concern over the Red Sea region's military escalation and called for de-escalation on Friday. Suez Canal Authority CEO Osama Rabie reported on Thursday that ship traffic in Egypt's Suez Canal has seen a 30% decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year, attributing it to recent tensions in the Red Sea.