Houthi Control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait Raises Global Energy Supply Risks Amid Saudi-US Tensions

Published: Sep 12, 2026 15:51

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The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is blocked, and global energy supply risks continue to rise. Yemen's Houthi forces have seized at least five islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, establishing de facto control over the strait, and issued a "Statement on Military Operations Against Saudi Arabia," declaring that ships from all countries other than Saudi Arabia may navigate safely in the Red Sea. The latest data shows that the number of ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has plummeted to single digits. There are also reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed twice called to urge the United States to strike the Houthi forces, but was rejected by Trump both times.

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