Yemen's FM says Houthis using Bab al-Mandab to mirror Iran's pressure in Strait of Hormuz

Yemen's internationally recognized government has accused the Houthi movement of seeking to control international shipping routes, drawing parallels to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Afrah al-Zouba, the Foreign Minister Designate, stated that the Houthis are using the Bab al-Mandab strait to mirror Iran's pressure tactics.

Al-Zouba told a group of journalists, including Reuters, that the Houthis have been emboldened by what she described as a "insufficiently serious international response" to attacks on commercial shipping in recent years. This suggests a growing concern over maritime security in a critical global trade corridor.

The statement highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the Houthis' continued efforts to exert influence through control of strategic waterways. The international community's response to these actions remains a key factor in the ongoing maritime security challenges.

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The group had been emboldened by what she called an insufficiently serious international response to attacks on commercial shipping over the past years.