Iran war live: Saudi Arabia and Houthis trade strikes over Bab al-Mandeb
Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia have exchanged strikes around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, with the Houthis accusing Riyadh of carrying out 129 strikes in 48 hours. The fighting has raised concerns about threats to shipping through the strait and potential impacts on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry.
Why It Matters
The Bab al-Mandeb is a key maritime passage, so sustained clashes there can disrupt commercial shipping and, as reported, threaten elements of Riyadh’s oil sector. Such disruptions could have wider economic and strategic consequences given the strait's role in regional maritime traffic.
Key Facts
- Location: Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint on Yemen's Red Sea coast
- Accusation by Houthis: 129 strikes by Saudi Arabia in 48 hours
- Risk highlighted: Houthi advance described as putting Bab al-Mandeb shipping at risk
- US president comment: Donald Trump said the Houthis contacted Washington asking it not to intervene
- Context of fighting: Clashes involve Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia amid conflict over Yemen's internationally recognised government
Fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabian forces has intensified around the Bab al-Mandeb, a narrow maritime chokepoint on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia of mounting 129 strikes over a 48-hour period as the two sides traded attacks in and around the strait.
Observers have warned that the Houthi advance and ongoing exchanges put shipping through Bab al-Mandeb at risk. The escalation has also prompted concern about damage to or disruption of parts of Riyadh’s oil industry, according to reports highlighting the potential economic implications of sustained hostilities in the area.
US President Donald Trump said the Houthis contacted Washington asking it not to intervene in the fighting, which is occurring in the context of operations against Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The intervention request was noted amid broader international attention to the clashes and their impact on regional stability.
The situation remains fluid, with continued exchanges around the strategic strait raising the prospect of further disruptions to maritime traffic and energy-related infrastructure. Reporting on the developments was provided by Kristen Talman, Faisal Aziz Khan and Enes Abuomer.
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