Houthi Seizure of Bab al-Mandeb Chokes Global Oil Routes and Exposes Saudi Strategic Vulnerability
Iran-backed Houthis have captured the strategic Red Sea port of Mocha and key islands near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, marking the most significant territorial shift in Yemen since 2015. This offensive has forced Saudi Arabia to request air-defense support from allies like France and the UK due to dwindling interceptor stocks, while driving crude oil prices to their highest levels since mid-2026. Although the US maintains a ceasefire with the Houthis and has not intervened militarily, it has engaged in diplomatic talks in Oman to prevent direct conflict with Washington. The collapse of Saudi-backed forces has displaced over 125,000 people, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in a country already facing severe food insecurity.
