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Elite commandos have been sent to a Red Sea port to protect UK shipping threatened by the war in Yemen.

Special Boat Service troops have been deployed to America’s Camp Lemonnier base in Djibouti to link up with US Special ­Operations forces amid fears that oil supplies from the Middle East could be suspended, bringing chaos to western economies.

Saudi and UAE vessels have been ambushed by Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, in attempts to cripple Yemen’s oil exports.

The Houthis want to force Saudi Arabia to halt air-strikes that have killed thousands of Yemenis.

The Saudis have since suspended oil shipments and there are fears other countries could follow suit.

Britain imports 90% of its oil from the Middle East and sends regular warships to the region as part of a Nato protection effort.

A senior military source claimed Houthi activity near Bab-el-Mandeb has increased significantly and threatens trade.

He said: “This is a ­critical waterway for imports heading to Europe.

“Our people will be ready to board UK-registered shipping and provide security assistance.

“The rebels’ success in making Saudis suspend oil shipments will spur them on to more attacks.”

(Image: Getty)

SBS forces last month boarded Cunard’s cruise liner Queen Mary II to provide protection as she passed the Gulf of Aden, dubbed pirate alley.

The Ministry of Defence refused to comment.