Houthis Advance Toward Bab el-Mandeb Strait in Yemen
The Houthis reaching strategic points in the Red Sea creates new risks for global maritime trade and energy shipments.
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen captured the coastal city of Mocha, reached the Hanish islands, and advanced southward toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in a critical move that threatens global shipping lanes.
Strategic Advance in the Red Sea
According to Yemeni government sources, the Iran-backed Houthis reached the Hanish islands in the Red Sea after securing control of the city of Mocha.
The militant group's targeting of a long coastline alongside the north of the country has increased its capacity to disrupt maritime trade.
International Trade and Security Concerns
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam stated that navigation and international trade in the Red Sea are safe and that operations are kept limited to specific targets.
However, the group stated that these activities will continue until attacks against Yemen come to an end.
Critical Struggle for Control of the Strait
As a result of the Houthi attacks on the Hanish islands, government forces and their allies were forced to withdraw southward toward the Dhubab region.
Control of Dhubab and Perim island holds a key position in dominating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is of vital importance for global trade.
Regional Tension and Oil Shipments
The clashes between the Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis have created a new battlefront threatening global energy and commodity supplies.
With the disruption of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, Brent crude oil prices hovered above $100 a barrel.
Diplomatic Contacts and Warnings
Following the escalation of Houthi attacks, Pakistan conveyed Saudi Arabia's warning to Iran, and Tehran argued that it does not control the Houthis.
Conversely, two Iranian sources stated that Tehran instructed the Houthis last week to carry out attacks against Saudi Arabia and promised additional funds and weapons.