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China-Bound VLCCs Reportedly Transit Through Bab El-Mandeb Strait Despite Houthi Threats

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Two China-bound very large crude carriers loaded with a total of 4 million Saudi Arabian crude barrels are crossing the Red Sea through the Bab el-Mandeb strait on Thursday despite a naval blockade of the country by Yemen's Houthis, according to multiple media reports.

A Singaporean-flagged VLCC was detected sailing past Yemen and towards the port of Qinzhou in southern China. On Tuesday, the vessel had reversed course before resuming its southward journey late Wednesday. It was followed by a Chinese-flagged VLCC, which indicated that it would unload at the Guangdong province's port of Huizhou, Reuters reported.

Both are operated by China's Cosco Shipping, according to Bloomberg News.

Five oil tankers and a liquefied petroleum gas carrier were among 27 vessels transited through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Wednesday, compared to 38 the day before, the report said citing LSEG data.

Earlier in the day, the rebels group reportedly claimed responsibility for the missile and drone strikes on two Saudi Arabian tankers, Reuters said.

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