Yemen’s Houthi movement threaten to close Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Houthi movement “Ansar Allah” in Yemen has confirmed its readiness to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to international shipping in response to US President Donald Trump’s policies in the region.

Writing on X, Hussein al-Ezzi, a senior figure in the Houthi administration serving as deputy foreign minister, warned that if the strait is closed, no one will be able to reopen it.

“If Sana’a decides to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, neither humans nor jinn will be able to reopen it. Therefore, Trump and those who support him should immediately end all actions and policies that hinder peace and show the necessary respect for the rights of our people and our country,” al-Ezzi emphasised.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Arabian Peninsula with Africa and is considered a key global maritime chokepoint for international trade and energy shipments.

By Jeyhun Aghazada