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Yemen warns Houthi rebels mimicking Iran's Strait of Hormuz control in Red Sea

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The Yemeni government warns that Iran-backed Houthi rebels are attempting to replicate Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz by seizing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
  • Such a move by the Houthis could lead to the closure of both major maritime passages, impacting global trade and energy routes.
  • This warning comes after recent Houthi drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, which the rebels claim were retaliation for airspace violations, raising concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict.

Yemen's government has issued a stark warning that Iran-backed Houthi rebels are seeking to emulate Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz by attempting to seize the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint in the Red Sea. Yemeni Foreign Minister-designate Afra al-Zuba expressed concerns that if the Houthis succeed, it could result in the closure of both vital straits, significantly disrupting maritime traffic and global trade.

Iran is trying to imitate what Iran did in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Afra al-ZubaYemen's Foreign Minister-designate describing the Houthi rebels' strategy regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Al-Zuba stated that the Houthis are "imitating what Iran did in the Strait of Hormuz" in their actions at the Bab el-Mandeb. This strategic waterway serves as a gateway to the Red Sea and is crucial for oil shipments and international commerce. The Yemeni minister indicated that the rebels are aligning their actions with Iran's broader efforts to increase regional tensions.

If that happens, the two major straits, the gateway to the Gulf and the Red Sea, will be closed.

— Afra al-ZubaAl-Zuba's warning about the potential consequences of Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The warning follows recent Houthi drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities, which the rebels described as retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace. These attacks underscore the volatile security situation in the region and the Houthis' capacity to strike critical infrastructure. Al-Zuba pointed to the international community's "insufficient response" to years of attacks on merchant shipping as a factor emboldening the Houthis.

The international community's insufficient response to years of attacks on merchant shipping has emboldened the Houthi rebels.

— Afra al-ZubaAl-Zuba attributing the Houthis' increased boldness to a lack of international action.

While skirmishes continue along various fronts in Yemen, neither side has launched a major offensive. The Yemeni government is preparing for potential escalation and stressed the need for the conflict to end, either through peaceful means or otherwise. Direct dialogue between the Yemeni government and the Houthis is not occurring, with Oman reportedly playing a mediating role. The recent exchange of attacks, including Houthi naval blockades and ship attacks, followed by Saudi airstrikes, has revived fears of a full-scale war after years of a fragile truce.

This conflict must end now, by peaceful means or otherwise.

— Afra al-ZubaAl-Zuba's statement on the necessity of ending the conflict in Yemen.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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