Yemen’s Houthi movement has denied reports that the Bab al-Mandab Strait has been fully closed, clarifying that its naval blockade is restricted to vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.
The statement, issued by Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam, aims to counter speculation that the critical maritime chokepoint has been shut down entirely.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital artery for global commerce, with approximately 6 million barrels of crude oil flowing through it daily to Asian markets.
The distinction is material for global energy markets.
While the strait remains open to international traffic, the targeted nature of the blockade means shipping companies must still navigate heightened security risks and elevated war-risk insurance premiums.
The mere threat of disruption is often sufficient to force rerouting, adding time and cost to supply chains even without a physical closure.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a vital artery for global commerce, with approximately 6 million barrels of crude oil flowing through it daily to Asian markets.