WASHINGTON sanctioned two companies over their role in providing Iranian products to Houthi rebels in Yemen as tensions in the Red Sea further intensified.
The U.S. Treasury Department penalized Hong Kong-based Cielo Maritime and UAE-based Global Tech Marine Services.
Both companies were accused of transporting Iranian commodities on behalf of Houthi’s financial network.
The revenue from the sales of the said commodities is being used by the Houthis to attack international vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to Washington.
The sanctions were announced shortly after the US and UK troops launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen last week.
The crisis in the Red Sea affected global commerce after it forced shipping companies to either close or change routes while shipping costs soared in the wake of the ongoing tensions.
