"The Houthi want to copy Iran's model. This would lead to the blockade of two vital straits, gateways to the Gulf and the Red Sea," stated Afrah al-Zouba, Foreign Minister in Yemen's internationally recognized government, at the Yemeni Embassy in Saudi Arabia on 27/7.

Foreign Minister Zouba noted that the Houthi are acting with increasing aggression because the international community has "not responded strongly enough" to the armed group's activities in the region. She pointed out that the Houthi's actions occur "in rhythm" with Iran's policy. "They are confident they will control the Red Sea," she remarked.

The cargo ship True Confidence was attacked by Houthi forces near the Gulf of Aden in 3/2024. Photo: AFP

According to Foreign Minister Zouba, Yemen's geography means that any party controlling the western part of the country can significantly influence maritime activity through the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This strategic shipping lane connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, impacting approximately 30% of global container traffic and 12-15% of total global trade.

According to analytics firm Kpler, vessel traffic through the Red Sea has fallen to its lowest level in months, with only 11 cargo ships transiting the route on 27/7.

Foreign Minister Zouba said the Yemeni government is prepared for any potential escalation of the conflict. Clashes between government forces and the Houthi continue daily in many areas, but neither side has launched a large-scale offensive.

Location of the Red Sea and the area controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. Graphic: Conversation

The Houthi are an armed group within the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance". This group controls the capital Sanaa and a large area in northwestern Yemen, confronting the internationally recognized government since 2014.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 to counter the Houthi. Most major fighting ended after a ceasefire was achieved in 2022.

However, this agreement collapsed after the Houthi accused Saudi Arabia of attacking the international airport in Sanaa and retaliated by striking enemy airports. On 20/7, the armed group declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia in response to Riyadh "blockading ports and airports" in Yemen.

On 23/7, the Houthi announced they had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, prompting US President Donald Trump to threaten to "impose heavy military sanctions" on the armed group and Iran if such actions recurred.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Al Jazeera, Hill)