The Houthis exploit success: the campaign moves to Bab el-Mandeb | Baruch Yedid

The Houthi terrorist organization is exploiting military successes along Yemen's western coast and moving the campaign to a new phase: permanent military entrenchment around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The move, with Iranian assistance including the construction of military infrastructure, is raising international concern due to the threat to the vital shipping route in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US are working simultaneously to curb Houthi entrenchment.

The Houthi terrorist organization is exploiting recent military successes along Yemen's western coast and moving the campaign to a new and alarming phase: permanent military entrenchment around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. After rapid advances and the collapse of Yemen's divided government forces, the Houthis are no longer satisfied with point gains and are working to turn territorial control into long-term military presence. For Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, this is a strategic nightmare, as Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Houthi control of the area could give Iran another lever of influence over shipping routes, alongside Hormuz. Yemeni officials claim that Iran is helping build long-term military infrastructure, including fortifications, caves for hiding drones, operations rooms, and missile infrastructure. The Yemeni government is trying to halt the advance but does not hold the initiative. Saudi Arabia is seeking a respite and asked Oman to convey a ceasefire proposal, but the Houthis continue to threaten Saudi targets. Egypt is also watching with concern, and the US is managing contacts with both sides. The next phase of the campaign may be determined not by the amount of territory captured, but by the infrastructure the Houthis manage to build in the territory they have already seized, with Iranian assistance.