Houthis Seek to Replicate Iran's Shipping Control Model
Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused the Houthi rebels of trying to replicate Iran's model of exerting control over international shipping routes. Afrah al-Zouba, Foreign Minister Designate of Yemen, stated that the Houthis have become emboldened by the insufficiently serious international response to attacks on commercial shipping in recent years.
The group has been targeting Saudi oil installations along the Red Sea coast, disrupting ship traffic through the Bab al-Mandab strait. According to shipping data from Kpler, only 11 commodity vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, marking the lowest level in months.
This development is seen as an expansion of the US-Iran conflict, which has already impacted oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis' goal appears to be a blockade of Saudi exports, further escalating tensions in the region.