CBS says Houthi forces have expanded influence along the Red Sea coast,
disrupting transits through the Bab el-Mandeb and reducing Saudi export
shipping. Kpler shows just five vessels carrying Saudi products left the Red Sea
via Bab el-Mandeb in the past seven days—about one-third of this year’s
seven-day average; the prior weekly high was 11 vessels in the week of July 24.
Bab el-Mandeb is a key channel for Saudi oil exports. Houthis state only Saudi
ships will be targeted, but markets fear any attack could deter carriers from
the route. Product-tanker transits through Bab el-Mandeb were below normal over
the past week but have not stopped.
