Houthis Advance Towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Raising Concerns Over Global Energy Supplies
The Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized control of Yemen's port city of Mocha and are advancing towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. This development raises concerns about another disruption to global energy supplies and shipping.
The Houthis' advance has significant implications for Saudi Arabia, which relies heavily on the Red Sea route after the Iran conflict effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. The group declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and has stepped up attacks in the kingdom's south this month.
Bab el-Mandeb is a key sea route connecting Asia with Europe and carries around 12% of global oil and other goods. If the Houthis are able to exert sustained control over the route, it could give Iran-aligned forces significant leverage over regional shipping and potentially push oil prices higher.