The Houthis’ participation in the Middle Eastern conflict significantly increases the dangers to regional oil shipments and maritime transport. The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely inaccessible for a sustained month, creating considerable instability. Concerns are now focused on another vital waterway – the Bab al-Mandab strait, which links the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean.
This strait, often referred to as the Gate of Palms due to its complex navigation, measures approximately 29 kilometers at its narrowest point, as reported by Telegrafi. In the initial eleven months of 2023, over 30 million tons of natural gas flowed through the strait. Furthermore, substantial volumes of containers and representing 12% of global seaborne oil trade passed through this critical area.
Following this, the houthis initiated attacks against commercial vessels operating at sea. The ongoing conflict and the houthis’ actions pose a serious threat to global trade routes and the security of vital shipping lanes. Maintaining access to the strait is paramount to international commerce.
Topics: #strait #houthis #conflict
