Houthis Escalate Conflict with Attacks on Oil Export Corridors

The conflict between Iran and its adversaries has escalated further with the Houthis, an Iranian-backed militia in Yemen, raising the stakes. The Houthis have targeted oil export corridors, including the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the southern Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

In July, the Houthis attacked two tankers carrying Saudi crude after the US ally shifted its oil exports to this route. This move has imposed economic costs on the US for the war it launched at the end of February. Iran has also threatened ships in the Strait of Hormuz and attacked energy facilities of its Gulf neighbors.

The Houthis' actions have raised concerns about the security of global trade routes, particularly those that transport oil. The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical chokepoint for international shipping, with over 5% of global oil supplies passing through it.