Houthi officials in Yemen threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb strait, warning “no force will be able to reopen it” if blocked.
Houthi Threat of Strait Closure
Hussein al-Ezzi, Deputy Foreign Minister for the Houthi administration in Sanaa, stated via social media that if the vital shipping lane – considered a “gateway” to the Red Sea – is blocked, “no force will be able to reopen it.”
The Houthis are threatening the closure of another strait, adding that it would be best for Donald Trump – and the complicit world – to immediately end practices hindering peace and show respect for their nation’s rights.
Yemeni Minister Warns of International Security Risk
Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani previously warned that any attempt by foreign powers to control Bab al-Mandeb would endanger international security, and instability in the Red Sea would harm global trade and shipping.
Belarusian Railcars and Trump Deal
Despite sanctions, railcars marked with Cyrillic lettering are traversing Poland, reportedly as part of a deal between Donald Trump and Alexander Lukashenko.
Key Route for Global Shipping
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is a crucial passage for ships traveling to and from the Suez Canal, facilitating the transport of marine resources. The narrowest point is only 29 kilometers wide, forcing vessels to navigate through two restricted channels.
It is one of the world’s busiest routes for maritime transport of raw materials, particularly refined oil and fuels from the Persian Gulf to European markets, as well as Russian oil shipments to Asia.
Iran Restricts Strait of Hormuz Access
Iranian authorities reintroduced restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18th, announcing a “return to the previous state and strict army control” due to President Donald Trump’s decision to maintain a naval blockade of Iran’s coasts.
In March, the British newspaper “The Telegraph” reported that the Yemeni militia began charging fees for safe passage through the Red Sea. The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, have long been supported by Iran, which provides them with weapons and intelligence.
