Houthi Activity Around Bab al-Mandab Raises Fears of Major War

Darwin, September 11 : The ongoing conflict in Yemen could escalate into a major new war, as Iran-backed Houthi forces are allegedly advancing to seize strategically important areas along the Red Sea, Yemen’s internationally recognized government has claimed. The government warned that the Houthi moves could further destabilize the area around the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Yemen’s ambassador to Qatar and former government spokesperson Rajeh Badi made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday. He claimed that the Houthis have launched a new military operation in coastal areas along the Red Sea, aimed at capturing strategically important territory and expanding their control over maritime routes.

According to the Yemeni ambassador, the Houthis have advanced into the Al-Makha and Al-Wazi’iyah areas of Taiz province. At the same time, they are strengthening their positions across extensive mountainous areas along the Red Sea coast. Badi claimed that one of their main objectives is to disrupt maritime traffic in the Red Sea by launching attacks on ships from these areas.

He said that in response to the Houthi advance, Yemen’s government has opened new military fronts in Al-Jawf, Marib and Al-Bayda. This has raised concerns that the long-running conflict could expand further. Badi said that since 2021, the Yemeni government and its armed forces had not violated the ceasefire. He accused the Houthis of launching renewed aggressive activities and attempting to expand their influence over maritime routes by taking control of key areas along the Red Sea.

The Yemeni ambassador also claimed that Iran has strategic interests behind the Houthi activities. He alleged that Iran is seeking to strengthen its influence over vital maritime routes by using the Houthis.

Badi issued an even broader warning about the potential consequences of the conflict. He said that if the Houthis succeed in effectively disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea, the situation could develop into a crisis similar to the Strait of Hormuz, although its impact could be even more far-reaching.

The Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait are among the most important routes for international maritime trade. Large quantities of fuel, food and other goods are transported through the route. As a result, prolonged instability in the region could have a major impact not only on Yemen and the Middle East but also on global trade and supply chains.

Source: Al Jazeera