The Houthi militia, reportedly backed by Iran, has asserted control over shipping traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following its seizure of the Yemeni side of the strategic waterway.
The group announced on Friday its complete control of the western coast and the Yemeni section of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as Perim Island situated within the strait. In the initial aftermath of this territorial gain, the Houthis revealed a detailed monitoring operation of international maritime traffic passing through the strait since their takeover.
Houthi media outlets published a statement attributed to a source within the militia's unrecognized Ministry of Transport. The source stated that maritime traffic in Bab el-Mandeb is proceeding smoothly, refuting claims made by "aggression states" intended to justify intervention in Yemen. This statement appears to respond to warnings issued by the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition regarding the implications of Houthi control over the vital strait.
The Houthi source alleged that 73 vessels transited Bab el-Mandeb over the preceding two days, specifically since the militia secured the strait. They claimed 36 vessels passed on September 10th and 37 on September 11th, asserting that this total of 73 vessels in 48 hours represents 98.6% of the usual average transit rate.
However, the statement implicitly acknowledged the Houthi militia's direct influence over international maritime movement in the strait. It mentioned the implementation of a previously announced ban on Saudi shipping, which the militia claimed has not affected the fluidity of international vessel traffic through Bab el-Mandeb. This declaration followed a video report by the militia-affiliated Al Masirah channel, filmed from the shores of the strait, focusing on observing and documenting commercial ship movements.
Observers interpret these actions as a declaration by the Houthi militia, with Iran's backing, of their intent to exert control over international navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
