The Telegraph, citing sources in Yemen, reports that the Houthis are preparing contingency plans to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in coordination with Iran if Tehran decides to escalate the conflict further.
According to the report, the Houthis are expanding ties with Somalia's al-Shabaab, including the alleged transfer of Iranian drone technology, with the goal of exerting influence over both sides of the strategic waterway. The Telegraph says the move would mirror Iran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially allowing Tehran to threaten two of the world's most important maritime chokepoints simultaneously.
The report notes that Bab al-Mandeb carries roughly 10–12% of global maritime trade and has never been closed at the same time as the Strait of Hormuz. If both waterways were disrupted simultaneously, shipping would face major delays and significantly higher costs.
The reporting comes as regional tensions continue to rise, with U.S. strikes against Iranian targets, renewed attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi-Houthi hostilities intensifying following recent strikes on Sana'a Airport.
Source: https://t.co/KDEdizn3Lm