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BP, Equinor change oil shipment plans after Red Sea Houthi attacks

The Iran-backed rebels have said the attacks are in retaliation for the war in Gaza.

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A screen grab from a video shows Yemen's Houthi fighters' takeover of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea coast off Hodeidah, Nov. 20, 2023, in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. — Houthi Movement

Oil majors BP and Equinor have paused or rerouted all of their oil shipments through the Red Sea following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as a Norwegian vessel in the region reported being struck by "an unidentified object" in the region on Monday.

London-headquartered BP said on Monday it is pausing all oil shipments through the Red Sea following the attacks. The UK-headquartered energy company it was a temporary decision in response to the “deteriorating security situation.”

The company said the safety and security of its staff is BP’s priority.

"We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region,” a spokesperson said.

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