Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
Commercial ship traffic in the Bab al-Mandab Strait has sharply decreased. This decline has occurred following increased military tensions on the western coasts of Yemen and clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis. According to statistics, on Tuesday, only 25 ships, including 11 incoming and 14 outgoing vessels, passed through the strait. This number increased to 28 ships on Wednesday, comprising 16 incoming and 12 outgoing, but on Thursday it dropped again to 26 ships, including 10 incoming and 16 outgoing. In total, over the past three days, 79 commercial ships have passed through Bab al-Mandab, while before the crisis began, the daily average traffic in this strait was about 70 to 75 ships.
Impact of Clashes on Maritime Security
The increase in tensions on the western coasts of Yemen and clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis have heightened concerns about the security of Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea. This strait is one of the most sensitive points for international maritime trade. Yemeni government forces have announced that they have launched extensive operations against Houthi forces in the city of Al-Mokha and its surrounding areas. In contrast, the Houthis claim that the clashes in the western coastal districts have ceased and that government forces have retreated from the area.
Read more: Italian Defense Minister: Warships are being dispatched to protect the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Control of Zuqar Island and New Threats
One of the significant recent developments is the control of Zuqar Island in the Red Sea by the Houthis. This island, located near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, holds great importance for monitoring maritime traffic and military movements due to its strategic location. Although reports about the Houthis controlling this island have emerged, none of the parties involved have officially confirmed this news. The island is currently under the control of the National Resistance Forces led by Tariq Saleh, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council.
The Houthis have previously threatened a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters. If the Houthis increase their pressure on Bab al-Mandab, the main energy transport routes from Gulf countries will face a greater risk of disruption. Bab al-Mandab, as a key point in global trade, has historically been known as the "Gate of Tears," and a large portion of goods, oil, and other commercial shipments that move between Asia and Europe pass through this route.
Analysts have warned that escalating tensions in this region could lead to a new wave of rising oil prices in global markets. Meanwhile, Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, warned during a meeting with Ihab Abou Serri, the Egyptian ambassador, about the consequences of increased military tensions near Bab al-Mandab, stating that the military situation in Bab al-Mandab is not just an internal Yemeni issue but a threat to global trade.
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