How Houthi Control of the Red Sea Coast Threatens International Shipping
Houthi control of the Red Sea coast threatens to severely escalate maritime disruptions in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, replacing costly missiles with direct anti-tank tactics.
The Houthis' potential seizure of the strategic port city of Mocha on the Red Sea threatens to dramatically escalate maritime disruptions. Currently, Houthi forces possess limited capabilities to disrupt shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait using long-range drones and coastal anti-ship missiles. These weapons are expensive, limited in supply, and require radars and electronic intelligence systems that remain vulnerable to US military strikes.
Establishing a direct presence along the coast and islands of Bab al-Mandeb would enable Houthi anti-tank squads to effectively close the strait using standard Kornet missiles. This tactic would eliminate the need for complex radar systems or costly coastal missiles, allowing targets to be acquired visually. Furthermore, it opens the door to uncrewed explosive boats, high-speed vessel hijacking teams, and maritime mining operations.
Despite a significant drop in shipping traffic through Bab al-Mandeb since the outbreak of the war, hundreds of vessels continue to transit the strait. While Iran's regional leverage near the Strait of Hormuz faces mounting pressure, a Houthi consolidation of control over Bab al-Mandeb could restore Tehran's ability to pressure global oil and commodity markets.
