Houthi Blockade Threatens Global Trade Through Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Houthi movement in Yemen has escalated its conflict with Saudi Arabia by announcing a maritime blockade on Saudi-linked vessels transiting through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The group, backed by Iran, warned that any vessel found to be connected to Saudi Arabia would be targeted 'in any location' within their operational reach.

This move is seen as a major escalation of the conflict, which has been simmering since the US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. The Houthi's warning was reinforced by an email to shipping companies, directing them not to load or unload cargo at Saudi ports without risking attacks 'in any location'.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical waterway that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, with over 9 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products passing through it daily in 2023.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), volumes dropped by more than half after Houthi attacks began, averaging around 4.1 million barrels per day in 2024 and remaining near 4.2 million barrels per day by 2025.