The Houthis have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea. Here’s what it could mean for the world

AFP via Getty Images The Houthis have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea. Here’s what it could mean for the world Published: September 16, 2026 12:30am EDT https://theconversation.com/the-houthis-have-further-tightened-their-grip-on-the-red-sea-heres-what-it-could-mean-for-the-world-291983 https://theconversation.com/the-houthis-have-further-tightened-their-grip-on-the-red-sea-heres-what-it-could-mean-for-the-world-291983 Link copied Share article Share article

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In recent days, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have moved with lightning speed along the Red Sea coast, taking control of the vital port of Mocha and strategic islands in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

This strait is an important chokepoint along the sea route that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean. With the on-and-off closure of the Strait of Hormuz this year, it has offered a critical alternate route for oil, liquefied natural gas, and other goods leaving or transiting the region.