Houthis Threaten Global Trade with Bab el-Mandeb Blockade
The Houthis' declaration of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping has escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns about global trade. The movement claims this is a response to the long-running Saudi-led siege and restrictions on Yemen's ports and airports.
The Houthis have threatened to prevent vessels associated with Saudi Arabia from passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. However, they do not necessarily need to physically seal the entire strait to disrupt maritime traffic.
Repeated attacks or credible threats could persuade shipping companies to suspend voyages and force shipowners to reroute their vessels, making Bab el-Mandeb commercially unusable for some operators even while remaining formally open. The Strait is a critical route for global trade, with approximately 12% of seaborne oil trade and 8% of liquefied natural gas trade passing through it in the first half of 2023.