Houthis plant naval mines in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait | Report

The Houthis have planted naval mines in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a move that brings them closer to disrupting the international shipping route. A Yemeni military source reported that the organization dug trenches in the mountains overlooking the strait and planted mines there. This follows their takeover of a large part of the southern Red Sea coast. The report comes amid direct talks between the US and the Houthis, in which the organization promised not to attack American and Israeli ships.

The Houthis have planted naval mines in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a move that brings them closer to shutting down the important international shipping route. A Yemeni military source reported today (Thursday) to German media that the organization dug trenches in the mountains overlooking the strait and planted mines there. The source claimed that this is an attempt to prevent or delay Yemeni government forces from retaking areas they recently captured. The report follows a Reuters news agency publication about direct talks between the US and the Houthis, in which the pro-Iranian organization promised not to attack American and Israeli ships – as long as they have no connection to Saudi Arabia. Last week, the Houthis achieved a significant gain and took control of an area in the center of the strait, giving them a strategic position on the Yemeni coast of the Red Sea and a greater ability to disrupt shipping traffic. The takeover raised concerns about threats to international shipping and disruptions to trade and energy supply, given the organization's possession of ballistic missiles, drones, and naval capabilities.