Several Saudi oil tankers depart from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint as shipping disruptions and security threats in the Red Sea intensify amid attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. According to the reports, six Saudi oil tankers appear to be taking an unusual long route around Africa rather than transiting the Red Sea. The decision reflects the broader impact of the conflict on global maritime trade, where vessels face heightened risks in or near the Red Sea corridor and the approaches around Bab el-Mandeb. While the reports focus on the tankers’ departure from the chokepoint and their apparent rerouting, they do not provide detailed information on specific cargo destinations, schedules, or whether the ships will return to normal routes after passing around the African continent. Together, the sources indicate that the Red Sea disruption is prompting some Saudi shipping operations to shift away from the traditional chokepoints to maintain passage and manage operational risk.