Houthi rebels say Bab al-Mandab Strait is open; maritime blockade targets only Saudi Arabia

Houthi rebels in Yemen have asserted that the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait is not closed, despite recent announcements of a maritime blockade. The rebels clarified that their action specifically targets vessels belonging to Saudi Arabia. This move is presented as a direct response to Saudi Arabia's own blockade of Yemen and its alleged refusal to engage in a fair political resolution.

Mohamed Abdulsalam, the chief Houthi negotiator, took to social media to reassure international maritime traffic. He emphasized that the waterway remains open and that the blockade is exclusively directed at Saudi Arabia. This statement aims to mitigate fears that the Bab al-Mandab Strait might become a chokepoint similar to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a globally significant maritime passage. It links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, providing access to the Indian Ocean. This makes it an indispensable route for the most direct shipping between Europe and Asia, passing through the Suez Canal. The Houthi's announcement of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, effective after years of relative calm following a UN-brokered truce in 2022, represents a notable escalation in the Red Sea region.