Yemeni Forces Retake Bab el-Mandeb Strait as Ethiopia and Eritrea Trade War Threats

Yemeni government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have retaken strategic areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, officials said Monday [256290]. The Giants Brigades, a Yemeni government force, also reported repelling a Houthi attack near the narrow waterway that separates Yemen from East Africa [258971].

The strait is one of the world's most important routes for oil and commercial ships, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden [256290][258971]. Control of the waterway affects trade and security far beyond Yemen's borders, with its proximity to Djibouti and other African states [259552].

The fighting near Bab el-Mandeb has intensified in recent days as government forces launched a major military operation to retake territory seized by the Houthis last month [256290][256308]. The offensive could mark the start of a new, prolonged war with potential consequences for the global economy [255482].

The Houthis did not comment on the claims of heavy losses in fighters and equipment [258971].

Meanwhile, attacks on Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure have surged in the week since the Saudi-led coalition launched its offensive against the Houthis [259447]. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plans to transform the kingdom into a center for investment, tourism, and global sporting events have been disrupted as drones and missiles from Yemen hit Saudi cities [258993].

In the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia and Eritrea are trading accusations of military aggression as fighting in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region raises fears of a new regional war [258940][258390]. Eritrea now says Ethiopia's latest statement amounts to a declaration of war and is asking the United Nations Security Council to intervene [259169][259546].

Renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan rebels is raising the risk of a wider regional conflict that could draw in Eritrea, according to International Crisis Group analyst Magnus Taylor [256285]. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to secure sea access for his landlocked country as fears of wider war grow [256293]. Ethiopia is the world's most populous landlocked country and depends heavily on a single maritime corridor for trade, creating serious economic risks [258122].

Abiy is also facing a growing regional alliance against him while the Tigray conflict risks spilling across the border into Eritrea [255545].