Story perspectives

Houthis seize Bab el-Mandeb chokepoints, tightening strait control

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 3:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Houthi Seize Strait

Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Mokha, Perim Island and other Bab el-Mandeb points, tightening strait control.
Houthi missiles and drones struck a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait, prompting alerts.
Brent crude rose 4% after the attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s 750-mile East-West oil pipeline remained shut, risking major export cuts.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed called six Gulf foreign ministers to discuss regional security.

Summary

IOM Reports Exodus

International Organization for Migration estimates 82,000 Yemenis have fled fighting since month began.
Houthis’ advance forced capture of historic Red Sea port Mocha, displacing local residents.
Saudi-backed coalition airstrikes wounded 13 civilians in Saudi territory during recent Houthi attacks.
United Nations Security Council discussed Bab al-Mandeb crisis, highlighting threats to civilian maritime safety.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported two seafarers missing after a vessel was hit in Strait of Hormuz.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 OAPEC oil embargo, led by Saudi Arabia after the Yom Kippur War, cut shipments to the United States and supporters of Israel, driving world crude from about $3 to $12 per barrel—a near-300 % jump that lasted until March 1974. Today, Houthi attacks on Mokha, Perim Island and Saudi pipelines echo those disruptions, prompting UN, IOM and UK teams to coordinate evacuations and protect shipping.

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Houthi Seize Strait

Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Mokha, Perim Island and other Bab el-Mandeb points, tightening strait control.
Houthi missiles and drones struck a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait, prompting alerts.
Brent crude rose 4% after the attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s 750-mile East-West oil pipeline remained shut, risking major export cuts.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed called six Gulf foreign ministers to discuss regional security.

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