Houthis Seize Red Sea Coast, Raising Oil Export Concerns

The Houthis have made significant gains in Yemen, capturing the entire Red Sea coastline and reaching the Bab al-Mandeb shipping gateway. This move has dealt a heavy blow to the Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia.

Analysts believe that this development is the most significant regional occurrence since the US and Israel declared war on Iran in February. The Houthis' victories could be particularly damaging for Saudi Arabia, as they now have a firmer control of the Bab al-Mandeb waterway, which Riyadh relies on for oil exports.

Experts say that the Houthis can achieve their objectives even without controlling the whole of Bab al-Mandeb or the Red Sea. A hint of danger is enough to pressure shipping companies and insurance firms to avoid the strait.