Houthis Target Critical Oil Chokepoint in Yemen
The Houthi rebels in Yemen are planning to expand their control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical oil chokepoint. The group is seeking to establish dominance over the port city of Mokha, the surrounding coastline, the Hanish Islands, and the island of Mayuun.
This move would significantly strengthen the Houthis' grip on the waterway and give them more leverage over regional trade routes. The Houthi militia has been working to create conditions for seizing control of the strait by expanding its presence along the western coast of Yemen.
The group's plans come after they announced a blockade on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea earlier this year, threatening an alternative oil export route for Saudi Arabia.
According to Yemeni Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani, the Houthis are attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea and expand their presence along the western coast. This would allow them to apply stronger pressure on regional and global opponents.