# Why is the Bab al-Mandab Strait so important?

https://mins.news/en/item/69135

- BBC News, 2026-09-22 12:57 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c6kgw4xklvx3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> 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.

## Related coverage

- [Yemen tells UN Houthi moves around key strait threaten global economy](https://mins.news/en/video/73692) — The Associated Press, 2026-09-25
- [Houthis say more than 400 ships passed through Bab el-Mandeb in 10 days](https://mins.news/en/item/71315) — TASS, 2026-09-23
- [Why are the Houthis fighting for Yemen’s Kahboub Mountains?](https://mins.news/en/item/69136) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-22