Summary
- Houthis reportedly mine Bab al-Mandab: Saudi media reports 'dense' mining in the strategic Red Sea shipping route, with demining operations underway.
- Iran escalates tanker attacks & threats: The IRGC claims it struck an LPG tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a major fire, and threatens further action against violating vessels.
- Vessel struck near UAE: UKMTO reports an unknown projectile hit a vessel west of UAE's Al Jazeera, sparking a fire that has since been extinguished.
- Trump signals temporary restraint ahead of midterms: Trump rules out attacking Iran before the November midterms, while diplomatic talks reportedly remain stalled.
Yes 17% ยท No 84%
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Houthis Mine Bab al-Mandab Strait: KSA Media
Saudi-funded Al Arabiya is reporting a 'worst fear' scenario on Friday, saying that Houthi militias have planted a large quantity of mines in the Bab al-Mandab area.
The report says further that Saudi-backed teams of engineers are currently engaged in demining operations in the Red Sea strait. It writes:
Engineering teams continue clearing operations and removing mines and improvised explosive devices in Bab al-Mandab.
If confirmed that such mining operations are widespread in Bab al-Mandab, this would constitute yet another major crisis for global energy shipping. At the moment, Saudi-backed fighters are f
