The Strait of Opportunity The recent escalation of hostilities between the Saudi led coalition and the Iran backed Houthis in Yemen has brought renewed attention to the strategic importance of the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
This narrow waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, serving as a critical chokepoint for global trade, particularly for oil shipments from the Middle East.
The Houthi offensive, which began with attacks on Saudi targets in its southern provinces, has been met with warnings from coalition officials that any attempts to disrupt maritime shipping will be fiercely resisted.