The multinational Combined Maritime Forces has advised merchant ships to stay clear of the Bab el-Mandeb strait following the bombing of Houthi targets in Yemen.

The guidance, sent out by Intertanko, which represents independent tanker owners, said the heightened threat to shipping is expected to last for several days.

“At present, there is no word on what the targets were or for how long this will last,” the notice said about the US-led attacks.