Houthis Seize Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Threatening Global Oil and Shipping

Houthi rebels have completed their takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial global shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, following their capture of Perim Island at the strait's center. This strategic gain grants the Houthis significant leverage over international trade and the global economy, as they now control nearly the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea. The rebels' rapid advance south, including the capture of the port city of Al-Mukha, has solidified their grip on this vital waterway.

The Houthi control of the strait comes as Saudi Arabia reported drone attacks originating from Iraq that struck and temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline. This attack, which damaged pumping stations, exacerbates the difficulties for Saudi oil exports, especially since the pipeline became a strategic asset diverting 5 million barrels of oil daily away from the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict with Iran.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical artery for global commerce, handling approximately 20% of the world's container traffic destined for the Suez Canal and serving as a vital link in the supply chain between Asia and Europe. Daily, around six million barrels of oil, predominantly Saudi, transit through the strait, making its potential closure a significant threat to the global energy and commodity markets.

With control of Perim Island, the Houthis are positioned to directly threaten vessels passing through the strait using artillery and short-range weapons, in addition to missiles and drones. An Israeli official warned that the Houthis could now "shoot at anything they want" with anti-tank missiles, noting the strait's narrowest point makes it more vulnerable than Hormuz. The official added that the Houthis could visually target ships, deploy explosive boats, or seize vessels, describing the situation as a "huge drama" empowering the militant group.

This Houthi expansion coincides with heightened tensions between the rebels and Saudi Arabia, following recent ballistic missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on Saudi cities. The escalating threat has prompted Saudi Arabia to request direct U.S. military intervention, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urging President Donald Trump to authorize strikes against the Houthis. However, the U.S. administration has stated it has no current plans for direct involvement in the Yemen conflict.