Yemen Warns Houthis Seek Red Sea Control
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has warned that the Houthi movement is seeking to replicate Iran’s Strait of Hormuz strategy by disrupting shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
Houthis Target Bab el-Mandeb Shipping
Foreign Minister-designate Afrah al-Zouba said the Houthis wanted to apply the Iranian model to Bab el-Mandeb, potentially placing two major maritime gateways under simultaneous pressure.
Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Around 12% of global trade passes through the narrow waterway, making it vital for commercial shipping between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Al-Zouba said an insufficient international response had encouraged the Iran-backed group to intensify its activities in the region.
Houthi Blockade Threatens Saudi Arabia
The warning comes after the Houthis declared a maritime blockade targeting ships travelling to and from Saudi Arabia through the Red Sea.
The group has also launched missiles and drones towards Saudi territory amid renewed tensions between the two sides. Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes on suspected Houthi military facilities in the port city of Hodeidah.
The latest escalation has raised concerns that threats against Saudi-linked vessels could affect wider commercial traffic, increase insurance costs and force shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea route.
Yemen Conflict Risks Fresh Escalation
Al-Zouba said Yemen’s government was prepared for further escalation as exchanges of fire continued along front lines stretching from the Red Sea towards the Saudi border.
However, she confirmed that neither side had launched a major ground offensive.
The renewed confrontation represents one of the most serious challenges to the relative calm established after the 2022 truce. A wider conflict could further destabilise Yemen while disrupting global shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
