The Houthi rebels, part of the Iran-aligned resistance axis in the Middle East, are reportedly preparing to block the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the entrance to the Red Sea, according to a report by the UK Telegraph citing a source on July 15. This comes as Iran has already declared a renewed blockade of the strategically vital Hormuz Strait, raising concerns about the potential closure of another key shipping route.
According to the report, the Houthis have quietly begun preliminary preparations for the blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and are discussing strategies with the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. The source stated, "There are many indications of cooperation between the Houthi rebels and Al-Shabaab," adding that this collaboration aims to fully control and blockade the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait should Iran decide to act.
Furthermore, the source noted that the Houthis are transferring drone technology to Al-Shabaab on behalf of Iran, which is positioning the Houthis as a leading force in the region.
The Houthi plan involves blocking the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, located between Yemen and Somalia, as Iran appears to be strategizing a scenario similar to its control of the Hormuz Strait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hinted at the possibility of blocking the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in a statement to the state-run IRNA news agency, saying, "We can close all export routes that benefit the U.S. and its allies, in addition to the Hormuz Strait."
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a critical chokepoint through which 10-12% of global maritime traffic passes. A blockade here would exacerbate the already significant economic impact from the closure of the Hormuz Strait. Observers warn that simultaneous blockades of both the Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb straits would result in unprecedented economic repercussions.
During the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Houthis launched missile attacks on vessels operating in the Red Sea for several months, forcing shipping companies to reroute to the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
Sources indicate that the Houthis and Iran are considering the blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to intensify pressure on the global economy and to exert pressure on President Donald Trump. However, it is reported that the Houthis are currently refraining from taking significant action. The Telegraph explains that the Houthis are not merely Iran's puppets but rather partners, and they have their own objectives in the ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia, suggesting they will not blindly comply with Iranian demands. The source also remarked, "It is not a good idea for Iran to use all its cards at the beginning of the war."
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Houthis are receiving training on how to respond to potential strikes against Iranian leadership. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has reportedly arranged for a family member to succeed him in the event of his removal.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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