Houthis seize key Red Sea strait that handles about 10 per cent of world trade
Iran-backed Houthis captured a critical Red Sea strait. It handles about 10 per cent of global trade. This triggered Saudi bombing raids.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia seized the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in a rapid advance. Many were surprised but US and Saudi intelligence had expected it.
The strait is one of the world's most important shipping routes. The capture restarted Yemen's civil war.
A Yemeni commander warned Saudi Arabia and the United States that the Houthis wanted the strait. But little military help came.
When the Houthis advanced on September 9, communications between defending forces went dark. Soldiers retreated in chaos.
Saudi Arabia began bombing within weeks, with US help targeting. The Houthis were once a religious movement.
They became a strong military force through years of war. They also developed advanced military technology.
- 10 per cent
- Global trade through strait
- September 9-10
- Advance date
- Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh
- Yemeni commander
Why it mattersControl of the strait gives the Houthis power to disrupt global shipping and trade. This includes container ships and oil tankers. It affects supply chains and energy costs worldwide.
AustraliaAustralian importers and exporters using Red Sea routes face potential delays and increased insurance costs. Global energy and commodity prices may rise if the militia targets ships.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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