Bab Al-Mandab emerges as focal point in Iran-Yemen standoff, analyst says

Abdulwahab Baheibeh, a political and military analyst, has highlighted the growing tension in Yemen's Bab Al-Mandab region as a key focus in the ongoing Iran-Yemen conflict. The analyst asserts that the Yemeni army is intensifying its pressure on the Houthi militia, with Bab Al-Mandab emerging as a strategic battleground influenced by Iran.

According to Baheibeh, Houthi attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia are strategic moves designed to shift the conflict from Yemen's borders to a more regional scale. Iran's actions in the region include exerting pressure on oil and gas supply routes in the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously increasing its presence in Bab Al-Mandab, with the Houthis serving as a strategic proxy.

Baheibeh further explains that Saudi Arabia has been actively supporting a peace process in Yemen, but its tolerance for Houthi provocations may be reaching its limit. He also notes Iran's ambition to strengthen its military and strategic foothold in Bab Al-Mandab, a move aimed at influencing global shipping lanes and potentially raising the costs associated with any U.S. military intervention against Tehran.

The analyst emphasizes that the battle for Yemen's western coastline is overseen by Iranian experts, with recent reports indicating that an Iranian delegation, comprising representatives from the Revolutionary Guard, has visited the region. This delegation is reportedly working on establishing military infrastructure, including fortifications, missile and drone deployments, and providing the Houthis with naval mines and explosive boats.

Yemen's armed forces, according to Baheibeh, are engaged in two primary fronts. The first involves operations in Bab Al-Mandab, Dhubab, and Mokha, where the Yemeni army is intensifying efforts to target Houthi positions. The second front sees pressure being applied from multiple directions, including Taiz, Kahbub, Al-Mudaraba, and Ras Al-Arah.

Despite these efforts, Baheibeh points out that the Houthis have not yet achieved a strategic victory on Yemen's western coast. He adds that the Houthis are amassing significant reinforcements aimed at capturing high ground near Taiz and securing the coastline, as well as targeting Kaabub and Ras Al-Arah to protect their gains in Bab Al-Mandab.

Baheibeh concludes by predicting that the Yemeni armed forces are reorganizing and preparing to deploy reinforcements to regain the initiative. He foresees a shift from a defensive stance to a more aggressive offensive action in the near future.