Coalition Alerts to Increased Risks from Houthi Threats to Bab el-Mandeb Strait

A US-led naval coalition has issued a warning regarding new threats from the Houthis, which could pose an increased risk to maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Yemen-based militant group has threatened to close this vital waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, a move that could significantly impact shipping routes, particularly as vessels are already avoiding the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The Combined Maritime Forces, responsible for safeguarding shipping traffic in the Middle East, reported that the Houthis have made statements indicating their intention to deny access to the Bab el-Mandeb. The group has specifically targeted vessels associated with nations involved in military actions against Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Iraq, according to the naval coalition’s Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC).

Despite these threats, the JMIC has maintained the threat level for the Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden at a “moderate” status, which is two levels below the “critical” designation applied to the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, and Middle East Gulf. The coalition noted that the Houthis retain the capability to threaten maritime traffic using anti-ship missiles, drones, and explosive remote-control boats.

The potential for renewed Houthi attacks on shipping comes at a time when traffic in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait has returned to historical levels, with 31 transits reported in the 24 hours preceding the coalition’s daily report. The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, had previously engaged in attacks on commercial shipping but have not targeted vessels since September of the previous year.

Historically backed by Iran, the Houthis have recently distanced themselves from Tehran. However, there are concerns that escalating violence in the Middle East could lead them to re-engage in hostilities on Iran’s behalf. Any renewed attacks on shipping from Yemen would represent a significant disruption to maritime trade, particularly following recent military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran, which have already heightened tensions in the region.