Bab Al Mandab Chokepoint Threatens Global Energy Flows

The Strait of Hormuz has been severely constrained since the Iran war began, and now another critical shipping route is coming under threat. The Bab Al Mandab, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is facing growing pressure from Iran-backed Houthi militants.

According to CNN, the Houthis have captured the strategic port city of Mocha and seized Perim Island, giving them a stronger position around the Bab Al Mandab. This has reduced shipping through this route, with only two Saudi cargoes passing through in the past week, according to Kpler.

The US Navy is working to keep vessels moving through Hormuz, but the operation has become increasingly dangerous. At least 23 vessels were hit in waters near Oman during July and August, while at least 22 sailors have been killed since the war began. Even shipowners accustomed to operating in high-risk regions are becoming reluctant to enter the area as attacks intensify.

The impact is already visible in export figures, with crude exports from Gulf countries excluding Iran about two-thirds of their prewar level in August, according to Windward analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann. The Brent oil price has climbed above $100 a barrel following escalating attacks by the Houthis, roughly 50 per cent above prewar levels.