Houthi forces seize Yemen Red Sea coast, tightening grip on Bab al-Mandeb

Tehran‑backed Houthi forces announced on Saturday that they have taken full control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, extending their presence to the strategic Bab al‑Mandeb strait. The move follows a series of advances in the southern governorates of Abyan and Shabwah, where the militants seized key ports and coastal installations previously held by the internationally recognised Yemeni government and its coalition partners. By securing the narrow waterway that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, the group now commands a chokepoint through which an estimated 20 percent of global oil shipments and a substantial share of container traffic pass.

The capture of the Bab al‑Mandeb corridor is expected to heighten maritime security concerns for commercial vessels and naval forces operating in the region. International observers have warned that the Houthi foothold could enable more frequent disruptions of shipping lanes, including the potential for attacks on merchant ships and increased insurance premiums. While the United Nations and several Western governments have called for a de‑escalation and urged all parties to respect freedom of navigation, the Houthi leadership framed the seizure as a defensive measure against what they describe as external aggression. The development underscores the broader geopolitical contest over the Red Sea and signals a possible shift in the balance of power along one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.