Yemen’s Houthi rebels have expanded their control by capturing additional islands in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital chokepoint for global shipping, while also securing the western coastline of the country. The escalation follows the recent shutdown of a key Saudi pipeline, which remains offline for an extended period. A discussion between a U.S. official and the former ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the Biden administration sheds light on the shifting dynamics in the region. Analysts warn the moves could further destabilize an already volatile area with major geopolitical and economic implications.
Yemen's Houthi rebels seized more islands in the strategically crucial Bab al-Mandab Strait and now control the west coast of the country. This comes as a crucial pipeline in Saudi Arabia will be out of commission for weeks. Ali Rogin discussed the latest with Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Biden administration.
