Yemen conflict threatens Bab al-Mandeb, risking global energy supply

The conflict in Yemen has intensified, raising concerns that the Houthi movement could attempt to close the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The strait handles roughly 10 percent of global maritime trade, including a substantial share of crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Recent fighting along Yemen’s coastline has brought Houthi forces within striking distance of the narrow waterway, prompting analysts to warn that any disruption could force vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to transit times and increasing fuel costs.

International stakeholders, including the United Nations and the United States Navy, have heightened naval patrols in the region to deter attacks and safeguard commercial traffic. Shipping companies are already adjusting schedules and considering alternative routes, while oil markets have shown a modest price uptick in anticipation of supply constraints. If the Houthis succeed in blocking Bab al‑Mandeb, the resulting bottleneck would likely trigger a ripple effect across global supply chains, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining open passage through the strait.