Yemen Interior Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iran Seeking to Militarize Bab al-Mandeb Through the Houthis
Yemen's Interior Minister Ibrahim Haidan warned that Iran is seeking long-term military influence over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by helping the Houthis build fortifications, operations rooms, and facilities for missiles, drones, and remotely guided boats. He noted that the Houthis had seized Hays, Al-Khokha, Mokha and its port before advancing toward Bab al-Mandeb and Mayyun Island. Security readiness was raised in Aden, Lahj, and areas behind the frontlines following the developments.
Why it matters: This matters for the theme of maritime chokepoints, as Houthi control of Bab al-Mandeb would threaten one of the world's most important shipping lanes.