WorldWhy is the Bab al-Mandab Strait so important?

Iran-backed Houthis have seized parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, prompting thousands of refugees to flee in recent days. The narrow waterway is vital to oil transport and the global economy. At Saudi Arabia’s request, the UK says it will send a military aircraft to refuel Saudi fighter jets on “purely defensive” missions.

Bab al-Mandab StraitYemenHouthisoil transport

BBBC News★★★★☆2026-09-22 12:57Original