Houthis Move to Gain Complete Control Over Crucial Bab el-Mandeb Oil Chokepoint
The Yemeni Houthis are planning to seize land along the Yemeni coast in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their control of the chokepoint. The information comes from the minister of information in the government that the Houthis are fighting in Yemen and suggests further disruption to marine traffic on one of the world’s busiest trade routes. “The Houthi militia... is working to create the…
The Yemeni Houthi militia is planning to seize control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital oil chokepoint, by expanding its presence along the western coast and taking strategic islands in the Red Sea. The government of Yemen, which the Houthis are battling, has expressed concern that this move could disrupt marine traffic on one of the world's busiest trade routes.
Three Houthi sources have confirmed these plans, stating that the group aims to control the Mokha port city, its surrounding coastline, the Hanish islands, and the island of Mayuun, which sits in the Bab el-Mandeb. This would significantly strengthen the Houthis' control over the waterway, making them a formidable threat to regional and global opponents.
The Houthis, currently fighting for full control of Yemen, have already targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting oil exports and pushing oil prices higher. With Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government forces at odds, the Houthi threat to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a growing concern for international trade and stability in the region.
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