Houthis declare full military readiness to join Iran war — Bab el-Mandeb Strait the likely target
A Houthi leader told Reuters that Yemen's Houthi movement 'stands fully militarily ready with all options' to join the Iran war in solidarity with Tehran. The most likely target would be the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — the Red Sea chokepoint controlling shipping toward Suez Canal. The Houthi said zero hour is 'left to leadership.' Opening a Bab el-Mandeb front would close a second global shipping chokepoint after Hormuz.
Actor responses
Houthi leader to Reuters: 'We stand fully militarily ready with all options. Zero hour is left to leadership. Until now Iran is doing well. If anything contrary to this happens then we can assess.'
The US has not publicly responded to the Houthi warning. A Houthi Bab el-Mandeb blockade would compound Hormuz closure and potentially sever Europe-Asia trade routes.
Iran has not publicly directed Houthi action but the Houthis are part of Iran's regional proxy network and previously conducted sustained Red Sea attacks in 2023-24.
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