Sana’a: A Houthi official in Yemen has indicated that the closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, could be imminent amidst the escalating military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. This development comes as the conflict enters its second month.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Houthi group initiated missile strikes targeting Israel on Saturday, marking their first such action since the US and Israel commenced a joint offensive against Tehran last month. Mohammed Mansour, the deputy information minister in the Houthi-run government, confirmed the group’s coordination with allies in Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq during an interview with Al-Araby Television on Saturday.
Mansour highlighted that the Houthi’s involvement is intended to support Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah in their battles against Israel and the US. He emphasized that each strategic move by the Houthis is meticulously planned to intensify pressure on these adversaries.
Yemen, Mansour asserted, holds a moral, religious, and humanitarian obligation towards Iran, Hezbollah, and Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, alluding to the group’s overarching commitment to the Palestinian cause. He further noted that the Houthis possess multiple strategies to exert additional pressure on Israel and the US amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“The Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandeb will be among the options,” Mansour stated, underscoring the geopolitical importance of these waterways for global oil and fuel transportation.
Mansour also referenced the Houthi group’s prior military engagements, including interventions to support Gaza, as significant global events. He warned of potential actions against the strategic strait and passing ships, contingent on the level of Israeli and US military escalation and preparations for ground movements.
He reiterated that Yemeni leadership independently assesses military and political situations, ensuring that any measures taken are deliberate and impactful.
The regional conflict has intensified following the US and Israel’s joint offensive on Iran, launched on February 28, which has resulted in over 1,340 casualties, including the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and neighboring regions, affecting Gulf countries hosting US military assets and disrupting global markets and aviation.