Yemeni Houthis May Block Bab el-Mandeb Strait in Support of Iran

A senior Houthi official in Yemen said that blocking the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait could become one of the main actions of the Ansar Allah movement.

According to the pro-Iranian outlet Press TV, this could happen if the movement’s leadership decides to assist Iran in resisting a war with the United States and Israel.

Brigadier General Abed al-Thaur said that the first step after entering the conflict could be the official announcement of a naval blockade.

This would allow them to stop commercial and military vessels, including aircraft carriers, heading to the Red Sea or the Arabian Sea.

Previously, Yemeni rebels had already imposed similar restrictions on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea due to the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Yemeni Houthis are trying to avoid fighting with the United States and Israel

It should be noted that the Houthis have so far refrained from direct participation in Iran’s war against the United States and Israel due to the risk of being destroyed.

In addition, the economic situation in territories controlled by the rebels remains difficult. Since 2014, the administration in Sanaa has faced serious problems paying salaries and providing basic public services.