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Major Red Sea strait falls under full Houthi control as Yemeni forces retreat
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have withdrawn from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after six weeks of fighting, leaving the Iran-backed Houthis in full control. The retreat is a significant gain for the Houthis and could heighten risks to shipping through a vital Red Sea gateway.
The coalition said its forces were repositioning to protect Aden and nearby areas. The strait carries goods worth about $1 trillion a year and has become more important for Saudi oil shipments after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The report also says the Houthis launched two ballistic missiles and three drones towards Riyadh on Sunday, which were intercepted, while aid and civilian movement in nearly encircled Taiz remain blocked.
In short
- Yemeni government forces leave Bab el-Mandeb after six weeks of fighting.
- The Houthis now hold full control of the strategic strait.
- Taiz faces blocked aid access and restricted civilian movement.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The withdrawal can be defended as a practical effort to protect Aden and nearby communities after six weeks of fighting, rather than risk further losses at the strait. Supporters may argue that concentrating forces where they can better defend populated areas is responsible, while continued conflict around the gateway could endanger civilians and disrupt vital trade.
The case against
Critics can argue that leaving the strait under Houthi control gives an armed group greater ability to threaten a crucial shipping route and Saudi oil exports, raising risks well beyond Yemen. They may also contend that retreat weakens the government’s position and could deepen insecurity for civilians, especially while aid and movement remain blocked in Taiz.
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