The rapid advance of Houthi rebels along the Red Sea coastline is changing the balance of power in Yemen and raising concerns about the security of one of the world's most important maritime corridors. After seizing the strategic city of Muha, the forces of the Iranian-backed Shiite movement have expanded towards the Hanish Islands, putting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key point for international trade, at risk.

The shift of fighting from the northern fronts to the western coast has raised fears of new disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea and possible consequences for global supplies. The head of Yemen's Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, during a meeting with the Egyptian ambassador, stressed that restoring state control over the coasts, ports and territorial waters is an issue that directly affects Egypt, Arab states and the international community.

Battle for Bab el-Mandeb
Houthi rebel attacks on the Hanish Islands have forced government troops and their allies to retreat further south, towards Dubab. The position is strategic, as it is located opposite Perim Island. Together, these points are considered crucial for effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the most important hubs of global maritime transport.

Meanwhile, the Houthi leadership is trying to calm the concerns of international shipping companies. The movement's spokesman, Mohammed Abdusalam, stated on Platform X that maritime transport and trade in the region remain safe. According to him, the Houthi operations are limited to specific targets and will only stop if the attack on Yemen ends.

The rebels' Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center also stated that the waters of the Red Sea remain open to shipping companies, with the exception of ships that have Saudi interests.

Saudi Arabia responds
Saudi Arabia's response was immediate. According to the Almasirah TV channel, which is close to the Houthi movement, Saudi air forces carried out ten attacks in the province of Taiz, in western Yemen.

The escalation of the conflict between Saudi-backed forces and Houthi rebels risks opening a new front in the region, at a time when tensions with Iran remain high.

Control over the Yemeni coast and particularly over the Bab el-Mandeb area could have direct consequences not only for the conflict in Yemen, but also for the security of maritime transport and global energy supplies.