A senior Houthi official has issued a stern warning to the United States against approaching the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has been under the control of the Houthi movement. The official, Abed Mohammed Al-Thour, stated that the strait is a "red line" for the US and that any attempt to control it would be met with resistance. The warning comes amid escalating tensions between the Houthis and the US, with the Houthis accusing the US of supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, has been a key point of contention in the conflict. The Houthis seized control of the strait two weeks ago, after government forces backed by Saudi Arabia withdrew from the area. Al-Thour's comments were made in an interview with French news agency AFP in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen. He emphasized that the Houthis would not allow the US to control the strait, citing the example of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a point of contention between Iran and the US.
The Houthis have been engaged in a conflict with the Saudi-backed government in Yemen since July, with both sides exchanging attacks. The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes on their positions, while Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of launching drone and missile attacks on its territory. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with thousands of civilians killed or displaced.
Al-Thour's warning to the US was part of a broader statement on the Houthi movement's relations with Iran and other regional actors. He described the Houthis as part of a "resistance axis" with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and emphasized that the movement would coordinate with these actors in responding to any US or Saudi aggression. The Houthis have received significant support from Iran, which has provided them with military equipment and training.
The conflict in Yemen has significant implications for regional and global security. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical waterway for international shipping, with many oil tankers and cargo vessels passing through it each year. Any disruption to shipping through the strait could have significant economic consequences, including higher oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
The US has provided significant support to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen, including intelligence and logistical assistance. However, the US has also faced criticism for its role in the conflict, with many human rights groups and lawmakers accusing the administration of supporting airstrikes that have killed civilians. The Houthis have also accused the US of supporting Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Yemen remains highly volatile, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The Houthi warning to the US is likely to escalate tensions further, and could lead to increased military activity in the region. The international community has called for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, but so far, efforts to broker a peace deal have been unsuccessful.
Key points
- The Houthi movement has warned the US against approaching the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vowing to fight if necessary.
- The conflict in Yemen has significant implications for regional and global security, including the potential for disruption to international shipping.
- The US has provided significant support to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen, including intelligence and logistical assistance.
