Red Sea
Strategic shipping lane between Africa and Arabia; Bab al-Mandeb is a critical world-trade chokepoint.
On 12 September, the Houthis took Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, including Mayun Island inside Bab al-Mandeb, tightening their hold over the southern gateway of a corridor linking The Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
With both Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb under hostile authority at once, where can Israeli-linked shipping safely go?
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The Red Sea is a long, narrow sea between north-East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It stretches about 2,250 kilometres from the Bab al-Mandeb in the south to The Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba in the north. Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Yemen and Saudi Arabia border it.
The Suez Canal links the sea to the Mediterranean, creating a major route between Asian and European markets. Ships entering from The Gulf of Aden must pass the narrow Bab al-Mandeb before travelling north. Ports, energy terminals and coastal military sites line both shores. This geography makes the Red Sea commercially valuable and vulnerable to disruption, because threats near either gateway can divert traffic around southern Africa.
Its southern gate remains contested
Bab al-Mandeb's southern approach drew Houthi radio warnings to Saudi vessels on 20 July. Six vessels changed course within 48 hours, showing that the Red Sea's southern entrance could be disrupted without a naval engagement.
The pressure later became territorial. On 12 September, Yemeni officers and a Houthi official said the group controlled Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, including Mayun Island inside the strait. The campaign therefore held the eastern shore as well as the ability to deter traffic.
Reference
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How much of world trade passes through the Red Sea?
Why are Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea?
What's the difference between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal?
What is the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint?
Has a ship been destroyed on the Red Sea diversion route around Hormuz?
What happens to global shipping if both the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are closed?
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Why is the Red Sea dangerous for shipping right now?
What happens to oil prices if the Red Sea closes?
Are ships going around Africa instead of through the Red Sea?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.