The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is approximately 29 kilometers wide and serves as a vital route for global trade, including significant volumes of crude oil and fuel. Al-Ezzi's statement indicates that the Houthis are prepared to take drastic measures in response to perceived U.S. aggression, which they claim undermines peace efforts in Yemen. This development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran also warning of potential restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz if U.S. pressures continue.
INTERNATIONALPublished 19 Apr 2026 • Published 1h ago
Houthis Threaten Bab Al Mandeb Closure Over US Policies
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On April 19, 2026, Yemen's Houthi deputy foreign minister, Hussein al-Ezzi, threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if U.S. policies obstruct peace efforts. This warning highlights the potential for significant disruptions in global trade, as the strait is a critical maritime chokepoint.
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