Houthis Capture Key Maritime Choke Point, Deal Blow to US Allies

The Houthi forces in Yemen have dealt a significant blow to the US and its allies by capturing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the most important maritime choke points in the world.

This loss comes as a surprise to the Trump administration, which had been hoping to win back control of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran. The Houthi forces now control both straits through which about a third of the world's oil shipments pass every day.

April Longley Alley, a Yemen expert at the Washington Institute on Near East Policy, said that the capture of the Bab al-Mandab 'means you can literally sit on the coast and fire at passing ships.' This development solidifies the Houthi's control over the strait and makes it easier for them to threaten shipping.

The US might not be able to do much about this, even if the Pentagon launches a new round of air strikes on the Houthis. The Trump administration's seven-week war against the group last year did not dislodge the Houthi or alter their ability to wage war. A ground force is needed to take advantage of any air strikes.