Yemen Rebels Advance on Key Red Sea Chokepoint

The Iran-backed Houthi militia is pushing to seize a port city near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow waterway vital to global shipping. Ground fighting in the area is intensifying as the group seeks to expand its control. The Bab al-Mandab connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Roughly 10% of all international maritime trade passes through it, including oil and cargo shipments. Taking the port city would give the Houthis direct leverage over this strategic route. The militia’s advance signals a new phase in Yemen’s long-running conflict. It also raises the risk of disruption to commercial vessels traveling between Asia and Europe. Analysts say the move could threaten supply chains if the strait becomes unstable. No immediate response from coalition forces was reported. The situation remains fluid as fighting escalates near the coastline.