The Houthi seizure of strategic positions and islands near the Bab al-Mandab Strait dealt a major setback to Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen. A swift offensive expanded the group’s influence along the western coast and gave Iran a stronger foothold near a key regional route for shipping and energy supplies.
Houthi Presence Threatens Shipping and Energy
During their advance, the group took control of areas along the Red Sea coast and islands at the entrance to Bab al-Mandab, after Riyadh-backed forces withdrew from successive positions. The new deployment puts the Houthis in a position to pressure shipping in the Red Sea and Saudi oil export routes.
The group said international shipping was safe, but excluded Saudi vessels from those assurances as direct confrontation with Riyadh intensified and attacks were exchanged across the border. The development increases pressure on Saudi Arabia at a time when its options for securing direct military support from its partners have narrowed.
Exclusion of Saudi Vessels Intensifies Pressure
Washington’s stance, which sought to avoid direct involvement in the fighting, also raised questions in Riyadh about the limits of US protection as the confrontation with Iran’s allies in the region expands.
The Houthi presence near Bab al-Mandab strengthens Iran and its allies’ ability to influence two major energy transport routes, as tensions in the Red Sea coincide with unrest around the Strait of Hormuz. This is prompting Saudi Arabia to seek additional partners and defensive measures to protect its territory, facilities and export routes.
