Houthi rebels in Yemen have issued a stark warning, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s critical maritime routes, following earlier threats against the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Official’s Direct Threat
Abed al-Thawr, a senior Houthi military official, states that the group will impose a naval blockade on the United States and Israel should they increase direct intervention in support of Iran during the current conflict. The Houthis plan to target ships heading to Israeli ports, including merchant vessels and warships, by intercepting them in the strait.
Key Maritime Chokepoint
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, situated between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and provides access to the Suez Canal. This vital corridor handles nearly 12% of global trade and about 10% of the world’s seaborne oil shipments annually, making any disruption a major risk to international commerce.
