# Explainer: Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait so important?

https://mins.news/en/item/53106

- Reuters, 2026-09-10 13:35 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/why-is-bab-el-mandeb-strait-so-important-2026-09-10/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6aa2b20951db2900010ed5a5

> The Iran-backed Houthis are seeking control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, a move that would strengthen their leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest and most contested maritime chokepoints.

## Stories

- [Houthi Saudi Red Sea Conflict](https://mins.news/en/topic/houthi-yemen-saudi-red-sea-conflict-2026-08) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/houthi-yemen-saudi-red-sea-conflict-2026-08.md

## Related coverage

- [Iran and Houthis threaten two key chokepoints: What happens next?](https://mins.news/en/video/55479) — DW News, 2026-09-12
- [UN envoy warns Yemen war has entered a ‘more dangerous phase’](https://mins.news/en/item/53805) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-10
- [Houthis advance along Yemen’s southern Red Sea coast](https://mins.news/en/item/53072) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-10
- [Houthis seize Red Sea port city in push to control Bab el-Mandeb](https://mins.news/en/item/52922) — euronews, 2026-09-10