WANA (Aug 06) – Reports indicate a significant decline in maritime traffic through two of the region’s most important waterways, the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, over the past 24 hours.

 

According to Reuters, only two ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, while just one vessel crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait during the same period.

 

The sharp decline comes as U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have repeatedly stated in recent days that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and under U.S. control.

 

Reports also said that several vessels came under attack in the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab areas on the previous day. Available data showed that ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell by 75 percent compared with the previous day, while traffic through Bab al-Mandab dropped by 95 percent.

 

The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are among the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints for energy shipments and global trade, and any disruption to traffic through these waterways could affect international supply chains and energy markets.