Shipping traffic through vital Gulf waterways has decreased sharply following Houthi claims of attacking a Saudi oil tanker. Data from Kpler indicates only two vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a significant drop from the eight recorded the previous day. The Bab-el-Mandeb strait, another critical chokepoint, also experienced reduced traffic. This downturn raises concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies and trade routes. The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, have previously threatened attacks on shipping in the region. This incident adds to existing tensions in the Gulf and may lead to increased security measures for vessels transiting these strategic straits. The decline in traffic suggests immediate caution among shipping companies.