The Iran-backed Houthis have reinforced their positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast after a rapid offensive that captured the country’s western shoreline and strategic islands. They now effectively control access to the Bab al‑Mandab Strait — a chokepoint that normally carries about 10% of global maritime trade and 30% of container traffic. Houthi attacks on vessels since 2023 prompted many ships to reroute around Africa, raising costs and delays. The fighting has displaced nearly 100,000 people, according to the United Nations.
Houthis Fortify Bab al‑Mandab After Rapid Seizure of Yemen’s West Coast, Threatening Key Global Shipping Route
FILE PHOTO - Armed rebels of the Iran-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against the USA and Israel, amid growing tensions between the USA and the Houthis following the latter's several operations in the Red Sea. (is associated with: «Houthis fortify Bab al-Mandab Strait after seizing Yemen's west coast») Osamah Yahya/dpa
The Iran-backed Houthi militia are digging in around the strategically vital Bab al‑Mandab Strait after a lightning offensive that captured Yemen’s western coast and nearby islands.
According to a source close to Yemen’s internationally recognized government, Houthi fighters have been digging trenches and strengthening defensive positions along the Red Sea shoreline they seized last week. The advance gave the group effective control of access to the Bab al‑Mandab, the narrow chokepoint that links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and forms a key part of the main shipping corridor between Europe and Asia.
Strategic and Economic Impact
Under normal conditions the Bab al‑Mandab handles roughly 10% of global maritime trade and about 30% of global container traffic. Shipping traffic through the strait fell sharply after the Houthis began attacking vessels in 2023 in a campaign the group said was in response to the war in Gaza. Many carriers have since chosen the longer, costlier route around the Cape of Good Hope off southern Africa.
The renewed Houthi control raises fresh risks for commercial shipping, global supply chains and energy markets. Insurers and freight operators may face higher premiums and rerouting costs, while exporters and importers could experience delays and higher shipping bills.
Regional Reactions and Military Context
Yemen’s internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia and allied militias, remains engaged in a civil war with the Houthis. Saudi Arabia — the world’s largest oil exporter — has been trying to reroute some shipments via the Red Sea amid disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional conflict dynamics.
Humanitarian Toll
The United Nations reports that nearly 100,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting as front lines shift and communities along the coast are affected by military activity.
Why It Matters: Control of Bab al‑Mandab could give the Houthis leverage over a major global trade artery, with implications for shipping costs, energy flows and regional stability.
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