BP has announced it is pausing shipments of oil through the Red Sea after recent attacks on vessels by Houthi rebels.

The oil giant said it made the decision because of the “deteriorating security situation” – but said the move was temporary.

Other shipping firms said over the weekend that they would avoid the Suez Canal.

“The safety and security of our people and those working on our behalf is BP’s priority,” the company said.

“In light of the deteriorating security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all transits through the Red Sea.”

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