Houthi group denies closure of Bab al-Mandab Strait amid rising maritime tensions

Yemen’s Houthi movement has officially denied reports that it has closed the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the group’s spokesperson, stated on July 27 that their recent maritime measures are restricted solely to shipping associated with Saudi Arabia. This announcement follows the Houthi declaration of a formal ban on Saudi-linked vessels earlier in the week, as well as a claimed military strike on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea last Thursday. The group describes these actions as a response to the ongoing Saudi-led blockade of Houthi-controlled territories.

In contrast, Yemeni Foreign Minister-designate Afrah Al-Zouba warned on July 27 that the Houthis are attempting to replicate Iran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by disrupting Red Sea traffic. Al-Zouba argued that the group is emboldened by an insufficient international response. The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Although a truce was established in 2022, recent escalations, including Saudi airstrikes on Houthi facilities and cross-border missile fire, indicate the fragile agreement is under severe pressure.