The Houthis of Yemen have launched a swift attack on the shores of the Red Sea, gaining control over a crucial maritime passage in the region and creating a new threat for Saudi Arabia. This group, aligned with Iran, has secured a position overlooking the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait, increasing pressure on Saudi oil exports that have been diverted from the Strait of Hormuz.
Shifts in the Balance of Power
Airstrikes on military facilities in southern Saudi Arabia following the Houthis' dominance over these shores have altered the balance of power after more than a decade of war. Analysts say the main objective of this attack is to secure control over the Red Sea, while Iran dominates the Strait of Hormuz, which helps drive up oil prices and complicates Washington's efforts to resolve the crisis.
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Regional Implications
Gulf countries, which are assessing Iran's ambitions to control shipping through Hormuz, now face a choice between tolerating the status quo or engaging with Tehran to protect trade in the region. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has so far refrained from any commitment to assist Saudi Arabia in countering the Houthis, although experts believe that U.S. intervention may be necessary to break the Houthis' dominance over the Red Sea.
The Houthis recently announced that they have launched a large-scale operation deep into Saudi Arabia and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure and southern cities. This advance towards al-Mokha, which fell on Thursday, has facilitated access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and makes targeting ships in this strait easier for them.
Reports indicate that the Houthis seized the strategic island of Perim on Friday, which could shift the balance of power in their favor and give them greater influence over Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, the United States, and global trade. This war also presents a dilemma for the United States: intervene and expend significant resources in an unpopular war or observe and weaken relations with another ally in the region.
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Source: independent.co.uk
