Control Risks maritime security analyst Aaran Kennedy said expansion of Houthi-controlled areas does not necessarily signal more attacks on merchant shipping and that a full blockade of the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait is "extremely unlikely." He said recent gains consolidate their position in the Red Sea and make attacks easier, but do not imply an imminent broadening of maritime strikes; the advance does, however, place weapons closer to key shipping lanes and increases Houthi operational capability.