Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis are moving closer to gaining control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for commodity ships, according to Yemeni military sources. The Houthis are approaching full control of coastal cities including the historic port of Mocha and Dhubab as they aim to dominate the entire Yemeni Red Sea coast. Fighting is escalating between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces, signaling a potential return to full-scale war despite a fragile U.N.-brokered truce established in 2022.
Bab el-Mandeb, known for its dangerous navigation, lies between Yemen and the African coast and is vital for transporting crude oil and fuel from the Gulf to the Mediterranean and Asia, including Russian oil. Control of this strait by the Houthis could cut off shipping routes for Gulf oil producers, especially after Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, another critical maritime route.
Recent attacks have been reported by the Houthis on Saudi cities, claiming strikes on various provinces along the border, while Saudi authorities confirmed injuries from Houthi attacks. An emergency alert was issued and then lifted in Khamis Mushait after clashes. The Houthis claimed to have attacked an airbase and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant escalation in their campaign.
With information from Reuters
