Shipping firms stop Red Sea routes after attacks | BBC News

A number of freight companies have stopped their ships traveling through the Red Sea after being targeted by Houthis - an Iran-backed rebel movement - in Yemen.

The Red Sea is one the world's most important routes for oil and fuel shipments, as well as consumer goods. It is the route by which ships can reach the Suez Canal - itself a major shipping lane. Avoiding it means vessels must take much longer routes, for example navigating around southern Africa.

Officials in Egypt have insisted that traffic is flowing normally through the Suez Canal, despite the recent attacks.