The Red Sea is a 1200-mile narrow strip of water located between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Sea which separates the coast of Suez-Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea from Saudi Arabia and Yemen, connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Arabian Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. It covers an area of 174,000 miles and is 190 miles wide and 9,974 feet deep. The name of the Red Sea is derived from the pattern of colour changes observed in its waters. It contains major mineral resources and has the world's hottest and saltiest water, which has made it one of the key maritime trade routes.

According to World Bank data, Bab el-Mandeb is a route to 30 per cent of oil supplies and 40 per cent of other goods. However, the oil and natural gas deposits have been exploited by the nations adjoining the sea. In 2023, approximately 22 per cent of the global trade passed through the Suez Canal, carrying goods and products. In addition, the Suez Canal contributes 9.4 billion dollars, which is 2.3 per cent of a country's GDP in the fiscal year 2022-23.

However, the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted key maritime routes, threatening global trade, energy security and environmental compliance. Participation of international actors, since 2011, increased the scope of war, and Houthis started targeting military and commercial vessels in international waters and other places, hindering peace and security in the region and around the globe.

However, a deal was signed in December 2023, involving the Houthis-controlled North and........

© The Express Tribune