Houthis Seize Strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, Threatening Global Trade

Houthi rebels have completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab 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 commerce, extending their control along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The advance south culminated in control of the port city of Al Mukha, a key stronghold of opposing forces.

This development intensifies concerns over global supply chains, as approximately 20% of the world's container traffic passes through the strait en route to the Suez Canal. Daily, six million barrels of oil, predominantly Saudi, transit this waterway. The Houthis' control of Perim Island, which divides the strait into two shipping channels, enhances their operational capabilities, allowing them to threaten vessels with artillery and short-range weapons in addition to missiles and drones.

An Israeli official warned that the Houthis now have "line of sight" on ships passing through, enabling them to fire on any vessel. This proximity and direct observation capability, unlike the more technologically reliant threats from Iran at the Strait of Hormuz, could allow for direct attacks, the deployment of explosive boats, or ship hijackings.

The Houthi consolidation of the strait occurs amidst escalating conflict with Saudi Arabia. Recent Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities injured dozens. In response to the growing threat, Saudi Arabia has reportedly requested direct U.S. military intervention, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 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.

Adding to the regional instability, Saudi Arabia reported a drone attack originating from Iraq that disabled a major oil pipeline, forcing a diversion of 5 million barrels per day that had previously been rerouted from the Strait of Hormuz. This attack exacerbates the challenges for Saudi oil exports.