Houthi Group Threatens to Close Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Houthi group warned on April 19, 2026, that it may close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Houthi official Hussein al-Ezzi stated that if Sanaa makes the decision to close the waterway, "no force would be able to reopen it."

Al-Ezzi called on the United States and its allies to respect the rights of the Yemeni people and cease policies that obstruct peace. This threat follows a decision by Iran to reimpose maritime traffic restrictions, a move made in response to a naval blockade conducted by the United States.