【Breaking: Houthi Forces Fully Control the Coastline of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait】 After the Strait of Hormuz, yet another Pandora's Box has been opened.
According to multiple authoritative media outlets including AFP and Reuters, after intense fighting with Yemeni government forces, the Houthis have captured Mocha (same name as the famous Mocha coffee), occupied Dhubab, and swiftly advanced to seize the strategically vital Zufar Island (ZUQAR ISLAND).
Related maps are undeniably hanging in the Houthi command center’s operations room.
Mocha is a key foothold on the mainland.
Dhubab lies directly beside the strait.
Zufar Island is a strategic island overlooking broader maritime passages.
This is bad news for anyone hoping oil prices will drop.
Now, the entire chokepoint of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is under full control by the Houthis.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most critical shipping bottlenecks, connecting the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, the Persian Gulf, and major trade routes to Asia.
The situation continues to escalate. The Iran-backed Houthi forces are attempting to land on Perim Island (PERIM ISLAND), located within the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This island holds extreme strategic importance and hosts an Emirati Air Force base, which Israel previously had access to.
Controlling the Bab al-Mandeb Strait will almost certainly block shipping through the Suez Canal.
These recent advances by the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, combined with severe disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, could soon lead to the blockade of the Suez Canal—effectively locking Saudi Arabia out. The main alternative route for Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea would then be completely under enemy control.
The dual stranglehold on these critical waterways represents a highly significant strategic development over the past few hours.
Previously, Houthi leadership discussed establishing a toll system (passage fee) modeled after Iran’s approach toward the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranians truly aren’t joking around.
If this trend continues, Brent crude hitting $120 may not be far off.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875972540599296/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.