Story perspectives

Houthi Strikes Slash Bab al-Mandeb Traffic to Eleven Vessels

7/29/2026

Center

Houthi Attacks

On Sunday, Houthi attacks struck Saudi oil installations in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, cutting traffic to eleven commodity vessels.
Houthi officials are negotiating transit fees for ships passing the strait, a scheme reportedly advised by Iranian officials during a July visit.
Data show eleven vessels were oil tankers, including two VLCCs bound for Yanbu.
Pakistan ministry condemned the attacks and warned it could use force to protect maritime interests.

Left

Houthis Blockade Strait

On Sunday, Houthi forces attacked Saudi oil installations, reducing Bab al-Mandeb Strait traffic to eleven commodity vessels.
The sharp traffic decline underscores Yemen’s deepening humanitarian crisis, where hundreds of thousands have died from war-related causes.
Houthis announced a blockade, citing missile strikes on tankers NCC GHAZAL, Encelia and Layla.
Afrah al-Zouba warned Houthis aim to copy Iran’s Strait of Hormuz strategy, threatening Red Sea.

History

Historical Context

The Houthi-led drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq and Khurais facilities on 14 September 2019 cut about 5 % of world oil output (?5.7 million bpd) and prompted U.S. and UN condemnation. Building on that pattern, the 2024 Houthi attacks on Bab al-Mandeb have slashed traffic to eleven vessels, prompting Pakistan and the U.S. Navy to consider escort missions.

1 of 3

Houthi Attacks

On Sunday, Houthi attacks struck Saudi oil installations in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, cutting traffic to eleven commodity vessels.
Houthi officials are negotiating transit fees for ships passing the strait, a scheme reportedly advised by Iranian officials during a July visit.
Data show eleven vessels were oil tankers, including two VLCCs bound for Yanbu.
Pakistan ministry condemned the attacks and warned it could use force to protect maritime interests.

1 / 3