At the same time, the Houthis, an Iranian-backed armed group, have increased their hostilities. They have recently focused their efforts on maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This land bridge’s historic and strategic importance is evident as this critical waterway runs between Yemen and Africa. It is an incredibly important chokepoint for global trade, letting approximately 12% of the world’s oil traffic pass through. Recent reports indicate that the Houthis have hinted at potential attacks on shipping in this region, raising alarms about the safety of commercial vessels.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, traditionally known as the “Gate of Tears,” has become one of those areas. The Houthis have previously targeted merchant ships transiting the Red Sea, causing regional security panic. This has allowed the group to use drones and anti-ship missiles to intimidate commercial maritime activity. Suppose the Strait of Hormuz has been really closed for almost a month. If volatility persists in the Bab al-Mandab, it would threaten critical oil exports transiting through the chokepoint from the Middle East and aggravate the already acute crisis gripping global energy markets.
Increased Iranian support for the Houthis has fueled greater focus on their military capabilities. Through its regime, Iran provides cutting-edge arms and technology. This runs the gamut from sea mines, ballistic and cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Houthis are extensively supported, ensuring their position as the most powerful link in Iran’s Axis of Resistance. This coalition is still committed to undermining U.S. interests and supporting their allies in the region.
It was no mere coincidence that Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, one of the group’s leaders, praised Iran’s role in strengthening their fight.
“Our Yemeni people repay loyalty with loyalty, and Iran was the only state, officially, that stood with us against the aggression on our country.” – Abdel-Malik al-Houthi
In mid-June, the Houthis issued a temporary ceasefire in their attacks on shipping. They have a dangerous track record, having called legal harm on more than 100 ships to date. Whether this pause is tactical or by design, it gives them time to regroup while intentionally hanging shipping lanes in the balance.
Nadav Shoshani, international spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, discussed the bigger regional picture behind Houthi attacks.
“We have prepared for a multi-front war. We’ve been fighting for the last two and a half years a multi-front war with threats from various different fronts.” – Nadav Shoshani
The crisis has so far disrupted international flows of trade, with experts recently cautioning of catastrophic backlog of shipping lanes. Muyu Xu, a senior crude oil analyst at Kpler, elaborated on the logistical difficulties presented by having to reroute vessels.
“For instance, a voyage from Rotterdam to Singapore via the Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandab takes roughly 27 days, whereas rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope extends the journey to about 40 days.” – Muyu Xu
With the continued shipping crisis, nations that depend on these shipping lanes, including islands, have high and valid concerns. An Iranian source cautioned against further escalation.
“They should be careful not to add another strait to their challenges … Iran is fully prepared to escalate the situation.” – An Iranian source
As strife escalates, the threat of outbreak conflict is once again a critical issue. The stakes couldn’t be higher. At the same time, huge container vessels—which carry about 90% of containers—are especially vulnerable in both the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.
