Houthi forces have taken control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, according to multiple reports. The seizure, confirmed by Yemeni government sources, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis. The strait is a vital route for global shipping, with over 10% of the world’s maritime trade passing through the area.
The advance has prompted international reactions, with Japan condemning the Houthis for attacks on Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) praised the Houthi gains as a “divine triumph,” highlighting the growing influence of regional powers in the conflict. The move also raises concerns over the security of global trade routes.
Aid workers report that nearly 50,000 civilians have fled the area as Houthi forces advanced along the Red Sea coast. Entire villages have been emptied, with families trapped near the frontlines as food supplies dwindle. The humanitarian crisis deepens as the conflict continues to impact daily life in Yemen.
The Saudi government has responded by suspending a key oil pipeline, citing security concerns following a drone attack attributed to Houthi forces. The situation underscores the complex and escalating nature of the regional conflict, with implications far beyond Yemen’s borders.
