**Houthis Aim to Replicate Iran’s Maritime Strategy in Red Sea, Warns Yemeni FM**
Yemen's Houthi movement is reportedly seeking to adopt a maritime control strategy similar to that of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, as warned by Afrah al-Zouba, the foreign minister-designate of Yemen's internationally recognized government. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, al-Zouba expressed concerns that the Houthis' ambitions could disrupt vital shipping routes in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Al-Zouba stated, “The Houthis want to copy the Iranian model, and this will shut down two main straits, the gateways into the Gulf and Red Sea.” This statement underscores the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which approximately 30 percent of global container traffic and 12 to 15 percent of overall global trade transit. The Yemeni government's top diplomat emphasized that control over this region would grant significant leverage over international shipping flows, similar to Iran's influence in the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent developments indicate a worrying trend in maritime security in the Red Sea, with reports suggesting a decline in shipping activity. On a recent Sunday, only 11 commodity vessels were recorded passing through the Red Sea, raising alarms about the potential impact of Houthi actions on global trade.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have escalated their military activities in the region, including a declared maritime siege on shipping to and from Saudi Arabia. This escalation has prompted Saudi Arabia to respond with airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, particularly in the key port city of Hodeidah, which remains under Houthi control. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 20 fighters from both sides reported dead during recent clashes around Hodeidah.
Al-Zouba attributed the Houthis' increased aggression to a perceived lack of sufficient international response to their actions, suggesting that the group feels emboldened in its efforts to exert control over the Red Sea. The tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition, which has been engaged in military operations in Yemen since 2015, have intensified in recent weeks, marking the most significant escalation since a truce was reached in 2022.
The Yemeni civil war, which began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. Estimates suggest that around 377,000 people have died as a result of the conflict, with many more suffering from famine and disease exacerbated by the ongoing violence.
As the situation unfolds, the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, remains on high alert for further Houthi provocations. Al-Zouba indicated that while fire exchanges have been occurring along the front lines, no large-scale offensive has yet been launched by government forces. The ongoing conflict continues to pose significant challenges not only for Yemen but also for regional stability, as the strategic waterways of the Red Sea become increasingly contested.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with concerns that a breakdown in maritime security could have far-reaching implications for global trade and regional geopolitics.