Pro-Iran Houthis Preparing to Block Key Red Sea Strait, Report Says

Pro-Iranian Houthi rebels are reportedly preparing to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil transport, in coordination with the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. The Telegraph reported that the rebels aim to inflict greater economic damage and pressure the US, potentially creating a second front in escalating regional tensions.

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Multiple indicators showing cooperation between the Houthi rebels and Al-Shabaab have been detected.

A source told The Telegraph that indicators of cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab have been detected. The ultimate goal, the source explained, is for the Houthis to gain full control and blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects to the Suez Canal. This route handles approximately 10% of the world's crude oil transport.

The coordination could lead to the simultaneous blockage of two major global logistics and oil routes. This follows Iran's recent re-imposition of a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, making the Red Sea route a detour for Saudi Arabian oil supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait could become a 'second front' if a full-scale conflict erupts between Iran and the US.

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The goal is for the Houthi rebels to gain full control and blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The report also notes that the Houthi's plan to blockade the strait with Al-Shabaab might have been an independent strategy targeting Saudi Arabia, but it coincidentally aligns with Iran's objectives. This development occurs as Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia exchanged airstrikes, jeopardizing a nominal ceasefire that had been in place since March 2022.

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The Houthi rebels are transferring drone technology to Al-Shabaab on behalf of Iran, allowing the Houthis to emerge as the dominant force in the region.