Houthi forces in Yemen have seized control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically vital waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The move follows a rapid offensive that resulted in the rebels capturing Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, including the strait and nearby Perim Island.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, handling an estimated 12% of global maritime trade, including oil shipments from the Persian Gulf to Europe and beyond. Its control has become a focal point in the broader regional conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
Immediate impact on shipping and regional dynamics
The strait’s capture by the Houthis—who are aligned with Iran—raises concerns about potential disruptions to global trade and energy supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a chokepoint for vessels transiting between the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. Any prolonged disruption could have cascading economic effects, particularly for oil-dependent nations.
Local residents, including fishermen in the coastal village of Bab el-Mandeb, have expressed frustration over the lack of economic benefits despite the strait’s strategic importance. One resident, identified only as Saleh, a 58-year-old fisherman, stated in January that the area’s potential wealth from shipping traffic has not translated into local prosperity. “So many ships pass near here,” he said. “If the Yemeni government knew how to invest in it, we would be rich. We should be bringing in billions of dollars. Instead, look around you.”
Recent shifts in control and regional alliances
The strait’s control has shifted multiple times in recent years. In early 2024, the UAE ceded control of Bab el-Mandeb and Perim Island to Saudi Arabia after a power struggle with Riyadh over influence in Yemen. The UAE had previously established a drone airbase on Perim Island. However, the Houthis’ recent offensive has reversed this dynamic, consolidating their grip on the Red Sea coastline.
The Houthis’ advance comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. and its allies increasingly involved in the region. The strait’s capture is seen as a strategic gain for Iran, which backs the Houthi movement, and a setback for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have supported Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Humanitarian and economic consequences
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has devastated the country’s infrastructure, leaving many communities without basic services. Residents of Bab el-Mandeb and surrounding areas have long struggled with poverty, despite the strait’s economic potential. The latest offensive has not yet resulted in immediate reports of civilian casualties or damage to commercial shipping, but the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire.
International observers are monitoring the situation closely, with concerns that the strait’s capture could lead to further military escalation or retaliatory actions by regional powers. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait’s importance to global trade underscores the potential for broader economic repercussions if stability is not restored.