Israel Warns Houthi Control of Bab al-Mandab Strait Worse Than Hormuz

An Israeli official has warned that the Houthi takeover of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in Yemen is a more serious development than potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz, citing the strategic location and the rebels' ability to attack ships with anti-tank missiles.

The official told N12 News that the Houthis, now positioned at the narrowest point of the strait, can directly observe and target vessels. Unlike Iranian threats, the Houthis would not need sophisticated radar systems, potentially using "fire boats" or direct assaults to seize ships. This dramatic expansion of Houthi control, the official stated, grants "enormous power" to the "terrorist organization."

The Houthis completed their seizure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait earlier today, after capturing Perim Island and reaching the coastal city of Dubab. This extends their control over most of Yemen's Red Sea coastline. The advance follows their capture of the port city of Al Mocha just a day prior, consolidating their grip on the vital waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a critical global shipping lane, handling approximately 20% of the world's container traffic destined for the Suez Canal. It is a crucial link in the supply chain between Asia and Europe. Additionally, about six million barrels of oil, primarily from Saudi Arabia, pass through the strait daily, making its closure a significant threat to global energy and commodity markets.