Global powers rally to keep Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab shipping lane open
Several nations defending "innocent passage" have entered the Yemen conflict to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital link between Europe and Asia.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea's narrowest point connecting Europe and Asia, is now the focus of an expanding war to protect the principle of "innocent passage" for commercial vessels. After the Iran-backed Houthis captured the port city of Mokha in mid-September, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and, to a lesser extent, the United States and several European states have intervened to push the militants out.
Their aim is to keep the waterway open, a route that avoids the long detour around Africa and, together with the Strait of Hormuz, carries more than a quarter of world petroleum shipments. Recent disruptions have already lifted fuel prices worldwide, even in oil-rich regions. The UN Security Council on Sept. 18 demanded the Houthis honor navigation freedoms, while analysts warn the outcome will test the durability of maritime law under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mohammed Al-Qadhi warns the contest could reshape global trade stability.
Why it matters
Control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait influences global oil flow and the safety of international shipping lanes.
How this story developed
- Oct 3 Fire and thick smoke reported near Saudi Aramco site in Riyadh
- Oct 3 Saudi jets launched 26 strikes on Sanaa following the fire at the Aramco site.
- Oct 4 Houthi spokesperson announced that missiles and drones struck Aramco facilities in Riyadh and eastern Khurais, causing large fires.
- Oct 5 Yemeni government forces announced capture of positions near Bab al‑Mandab and the coalition deployed about 100 combat aircraft.
- Oct 5 Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have taken large parts of the Dhubab district overlooking Bab el-Mandeb, with coalition air support, after months of fighting against Iran-backed Houthis.
- Oct 6 The Saudi‑led coalition said its navy struck weapons caches and naval mines in Hodeida.
- Oct 6 Turkey and Pakistan have moved forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement after an emergency meeting in Riyadh.
- Oct 7 Two missiles fired by the Houthis hit Aden International Airport early Wednesday, according to the Aden security department, and no casualties were recorded.
- Oct 7 Government‑aligned troops announced the seizure of the highest summit in Jabal Habashi district, Taiz.
- Oct 7 The report added that the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a Houthi missile.
- Oct 7 Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmud was appointed the pact’s inaugural secretary‑general.
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