The German news agency DPA reports that Houthi forces have dug trenches and laid naval mines in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strategic move is meant to protect the group’s territorial gains, namely the port city of Mocha and the Hanish Islands. Ansar Allah (the Houthi movement) is also advancing towards the coastal town of Dhubab. This will give them almost total control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The mines will counter ground offensives from Yemeni government. Reports suggest that Houthis have laid sea mines in the surrounding waters and dug trenches on the land to bolster their defensive lines.
Why are the Houthis laying mines at Bab al-Mandab Strait
Houthis are implementing an asymmetric area-denial strategy to protect its forces from displacement by foreign powers. By carving out mountain trenches, they gain a tactical vantage point. The trenches will shelter fighters and equipment from potential airstrikes. They will also enable Houthis to monitor maritime traffic.
The highly destructive naval mines include both anchored contact mines and free-floating explosive devices. Since the Strait is narrow, the hidden explosive mines can destroy commercial ships. This will create a buffer for warships.
The present crisis was triggered by government forces striking the runway at Sana’a airport to stop an unauthorized Iranian aircraft from landing. In response, Houthis launched “Operation Allah is Stronger in Might”. Within days, Houthi forces captured crucial territories across the Red Sea coast.
Yemeni response and international reaction
The internationally recognized Saudi-backed Yemeni government is left with little control over its coastlines. The armed forces have pulled back to strategic zones such as Dhubab, Taiz, and Hajjah. The government has strongly condemned the construction of mines in international waters. They maintain that this unacceptable development is detrimental to global maritime navigation. The government-backed forces, such as the National Resistance Forces, are conducting mine-clearing operations along the shipping lanes to neutralize floating threats before they harm civilian ships.
President Donald Trump noted that total consolidation of the Bab al-Mandab Strait by Houthis is a grave threat to American national security. However, reports suggest that Houthi rebels have indicated that they would let standard commercial ships pass through. They maintain that explosives are only meant to target adversarial vessels.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned this move by the Houthis and said it aligns with terrorist rhetoric. The country has also approached the United States for emergency military assistance. Other regional neighbors have issued warnings to Houthis. They emphasize the need for urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent a global economic crisis.
Implications of disruption at Bab al-Mandab Strait
12% of global trade and 10% of the world’s entire seaborne oil supply pass through this Strait. Since the Strait of Hormuz is already disrupted by the US-Iran war, 5 million barrels of oil per day have been passing through Bab al-Mandab. With the Houthis now digging trenches and mines, the route will be compromised, putting oil supply at risk.
This is likely to significantly raise shipping costs since ships will now have to avoid the Suez Canal. The new route around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa adds thousands of miles to the journey. Therefore, this development will disrupt global supply chains and raise freight prices worldwide.
On the other hand, the Houthis gaining control over Bab al-Mandab has solidifed Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” and given it massive leverage over the world’s energy supply.
