Houthi forces in Yemen have captured the strategic Red Sea port of Mokha and nearby Perim Island, tightening their control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping chokepoint. Saudi Arabia confirmed intercepting a Houthi drone south of Mecca, while the Houthis denied targeting international shipping but reiterated threats against Saudi vessels.
Houthi gains and Saudi response
Houthi militants, aligned with Iran, seized Mokha and Perim Island last week, extending their reach over one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait handles approximately 12% of global trade, including oil shipments from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, which transfers crude from the Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was shut down after a strike blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated repairs could take days, not weeks.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis, though Trump has so far limited support to intelligence and targeting assistance. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting, with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia calling for decisive action to prevent economic disruption.
Commander Abdul Malik al-Houthi’s rise
At the helm of the group is Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the elusive leader who has transformed the Houthis from a rebel faction into a battle-hardened force. Under his command, the group withstood years of Saudi-led airstrikes during Yemen’s civil war, building an arsenal of drones and ballistic missiles. Al-Houthi’s forces, known for their resilience and guerrilla tactics, have recently shifted focus to the Red Sea, disrupting shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
A 2022 U.N.-brokered truce in Yemen’s civil war failed to yield a lasting settlement, leaving the country in a fragile state. The Houthis’ latest offensive has given Iran a strategic advantage, particularly after tensions in the Strait of Hormuz reduced oil traffic through that route.
Regional and global implications
The seizure of Mokha and Perim Island has raised concerns about freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, with experts warning of potential economic fallout. Somali pirates have already increased activity around the Horn of Africa, further complicating maritime security. The crisis comes at a precarious time, as global trade faces multiple disruptions, including the ongoing war in Gaza and heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s oil exports have declined, and its infrastructure remains under threat. The kingdom’s efforts to attract foreign investment are also at risk, as investors reassess the stability of the region. Meanwhile, the Houthis have framed their actions as a response to Saudi Arabia’s role in the Gaza conflict, though their denial of targeting international shipping suggests a calculated effort to avoid direct confrontation with global powers.
International reactions and next steps
The U.N. Security Council emphasized the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, while Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of using the strait as leverage. The U.S. has offered intelligence and logistical support to Saudi Arabia but has stopped short of direct military intervention. Analysts suggest three potential outcomes: a prolonged stalemate, a negotiated settlement, or further escalation.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with the Houthis consolidating control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Saudi Arabia weighing its response amid broader regional instability.