Houthis Move to Gain Complete Control Over Crucial Bab el-Mandeb Oil Chokepoint
The Yemeni Houthis are planning to seize land along the Yemeni coast in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their control of the chokepoint. The information comes from the minister of information in the government that the Houthis are fighting in Yemen and suggests further disruption to marine traf
Source: OilPrice.com
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DW NOTE
The Houthis already control the Red Sea side of Bab el-Mandeb — they've been firing on ships for two years. The "complete control" they're moving toward means taking Perim Island and the Yemeni mainland opposite, which would give them both banks of a strait that carries 9% of seaborne oil. With Hormuz effectively shut since August 16, losing Bab el-Mandeb would force every Gulf barrel destined for Europe around the Cape of Good Hope — a 3,500-mile detour that makes $95 Brent look cheap.