On 15 November, Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, announced their withdrawal from the area around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The area has come under the control of the Iran-backed Houthis, which heightens the threat to international shipping against the backdrop of restrictions on tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Yemeni government forces have withdrawn from the area around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- The Houthis have tightened their grip on one of the world’s key shipping lanes.
- The withdrawal of Yemeni troops is linked to the need to strengthen the defences of Aden.
- The escalation of the conflict poses additional risks to international oil supplies.
Yemeni troops are retreating towards Aden
The Southern Armed Forces of Yemen have reported the redeployment of units from the area around Dubab Airport and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the west of Taiz Province.
The military command explained the decision as being necessary to protect Aden, where Yemen’s internationally recognised government is based, and to reinforce other sections of the front line.
In October, government forces launched an offensive with the aim of recapturing strategic coastal territories which the Houthis had seized during a large-scale military operation in September.
The current retreat is, in fact, strengthening the group’s positions near the southern entrance to the Red Sea.
Two key oil transport routes are under threat
Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and enables merchant ships to travel between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.
The Houthis’ strengthening of their positions is taking place at the same time as the escalation of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The day before, Iran announced that the sinking of three oil tankers on sea mines.
Simultaneous restrictions on shipping in two strategic areas could significantly hamper the export of energy resources from the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
At the same time, the retreat of government forces does not mean that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is now completely blocked.
The Houthis are stepping up their attacks on Saudi Arabia
Against the backdrop of the US and Israel’s war against Iran, the Houthis have stepped up their missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, seaports and oil company facilities Saudi Aramco.
Among the targets attacked was the infrastructure in Yanbu — a key centre for Saudi oil exports on the Red Sea coast. In response, Saudi Arabia is carrying out strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
The fighting is also exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Around 300,000 Yemenis have fled their homes as a result of the latest escalation in the conflict. Roughly half of them are in besieged Ta’izz, where the flow of humanitarian aid is restricted.
