Houthis Expand Influence in Bab el-Mandeb Strait Amid Iranian Support

Houthi forces in Yemen are reportedly leveraging diminished international attention to bolster their presence and influence in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Israel's Kan Broadcasting. This expansion has raised concerns among anti-Houthi Yemeni factions, who believe Saudi Arabia and the United States are not adequately addressing what they perceive as a growing threat in the vital waterway.

A Yemeni source opposed to the Houthis told Kan that intelligence indicates Iran has instructed the Houthis to strengthen their control over the Bab el-Mandeb, viewing it as a complementary move to actions targeting the Strait of Hormuz. The source criticized Saudi Arabia for insufficient support, noting that Riyadh's airstrikes in the area only began recently. The United States, according to the source, is also showing insufficient interest in the Houthi threat despite the strait's critical importance for global maritime traffic connecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.

These developments occur as anti-Houthi groups continue to warn about the Houthi militia's increasing capabilities and control over strategic locations, particularly Red Sea coastal areas. A source from UAE-backed Yemeni forces stated their units are not involved in these specific actions, attributing them to Saudi-backed forces. This source emphasized their repeated warnings about the necessity of expelling the Houthis from the port city of Hodeidah on the Red Sea.

The differing stances among regional powers supporting various Yemeni factions highlight a divergence in approaches. Anti-Houthi groups are striving to improve their positions against the militia, which currently controls the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern and western Yemen. The Bab el-Mandeb's significance as a key route for international trade and shipping means any Houthi consolidation of power there could jeopardize maritime security and supply lines. Kan's reporting suggests the Houthi buildup may be linked to broader regional tensions, particularly concerning Hormuz, potentially expanding threats to regional navigation.