The Houthi militia appears to be selectively allowing some vessels to transit Bab al-Mandab despite declaring a blockade on Saudi-bound shipping. Lloyd's List reported a Chinese oil tanker was granted passage, while the Institute for the Study of War has documented seven vessels rerouting to avoid the strait. The Saudi tanker Encelia was attacked and caught fire; the Houthis have claimed responsibility for two strikes on Saudi tankers, though details remain unclear. Oman and international missions such as the EU-led Aspides are seeking de-escalation and advising caution for ships in the region.
Chinese Tanker Granted Passage Through Bab al-Mandab Despite Houthi Blockade
FILE PHOTO - A Yemen's Houthi supporter brandishes a rifle during a demonstration against the United States and Israel in Sana'a. (is associated with: «Chinese tanker passes Red Sea choke point despite Houthi blockade») Osamah Yahya/dpa
Experts say Yemen's Houthi militia appears to be selectively permitting some vessels to transit the Bab al-Mandab strait—the southern gateway to the Red Sea—even after declaring a blockade on shipping bound for Saudi Arabia.
Reported Passage: The trade journal Lloyd's List reported that a Chinese oil tanker was granted permission to pass through the chokepoint. Lloyd's List added that Chinese tankers returning from the Saudi port of Yanbu may be negotiating passage with the Iranian-backed Houthis on a case-by-case basis.
Rerouted Vessels: The U.S. think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has documented seven ships that altered course to avoid the Bab al-Mandab following Houthi threats, reflecting heightened caution among commercial operators.
Attack on Saudi Tanker: Late on Wednesday the Saudi oil tanker Encelia was attacked, causing a fire onboard. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for two attacks on Saudi oil tankers, but it is not yet clear whether the Encelia was one of the vessels targeted in those claims.
Why This Matters
The Bab al-Mandab strait sits on the primary sea route from Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. Disruption there can have outsized effects on global trade, shipping insurance, and energy markets. The Houthis already initiated a campaign of maritime attacks in the Red Sea in 2023 that significantly disrupted shipping routes and raised costs.
Regional and International Responses
Oman has urged restraint and said it is engaging with the Houthis, Saudi Arabia and the United Nations to defuse tensions. The EU-led Aspides mission, established to protect merchant ships from Houthi threats, issued a warning advising vessels—particularly those linked to Israel, the United States or Saudi Arabia—to avoid transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the time being.
Implications: The selective allowance of some transits may indicate ad hoc Houthi arrangements or tactical calculations, but the results remain unpredictable for commercial operators. Shipping companies will likely continue to reroute, delay or suspend calls through the Bab al-Mandab until the situation stabilizes.
Note: Reporting on claims of responsibility is evolving; authorities and independent monitors have not yet confirmed all details of the Encelia incident.
Help us improve.
