Yemen's Houthis Claim Bab al-Mandeb Strait Open Despite Blockade Announcement

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels asserted on Friday that the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait has not been closed, despite their recent announcement of a maritime blockade. The rebels insisted that the blockade is exclusively directed at Saudi navigation, framing it as a response to Riyadh's "blockade" of Yemen and its "refusal" to accept a just political solution. Houthi chief negotiator Mohamed Abdulsalam stated on social media that the maritime route remains open, seeking to reassure international shipping traffic. This comes amid concerns that the Bab al-Mandeb could become a flashpoint similar to the Strait of Hormuz. The Bab al-Mandeb is a critical global maritime chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, serving as a vital gateway for the shortest route between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal. The rebels' announcement follows their declaration four days prior of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning that vessels linked to the Gulf nation would be prohibited from sailing in waters under their control. This move represents a significant escalation in the Red Sea following a period of relative calm since a UN-brokered truce in 2022. The Houthis have warned shipping companies against transporting cargo to or from Saudi ports, threatening to attack vessels that violate the prohibition. The group has also claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi-linked oil tankers in the Red Sea, including a recent incident involving the vessel Encelia.