The Houthis' strategic move on Yemen's coasts
The Houthis are fortifying new military positions on peaks overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the city of al-Mokha, with assistance from Iranian experts and Hezbollah operatives. The goal: strengthening control over the strategic area following advances along the western coast. The positions include fortifications and observation posts to improve monitoring and operational capability. The move holds special significance due to the strait's importance to international trade routes.
The Houthis are fortifying and establishing new military positions on peaks overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the city of al-Mokha on Yemen's western coast, as reported today (Sunday). According to Yemeni sources, the move is being carried out with assistance from experts of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah operatives, following the Houthi takeover of the strait. The goal, according to the report, is to strengthen Houthi control over the strategic area adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, especially after the Houthis' advance along the western coast. The new positions include fortifications, observation posts, and military positions designed to improve the Houthis' ability to monitor movement in the area and operate from it. Iran and Hezbollah play a role in transferring military knowledge and experience to the Houthis, particularly in the field of building fortifications and field deployment. The entrenchment in the area takes on special significance due to the importance of Bab el-Mandeb to international trade and shipping routes. Bottom line: The Houthis are exploiting their advance along the western coast to establish a military infrastructure in the Bab el-Mandeb area, while receiving Iranian and Hezbollah assistance. The move may strengthen their ability to influence one of the world's strategic shipping lanes.