[Regnum] Yemen may close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to American and Israeli vessels if it enters the Middle East conflict on Iran's side. This was stated on March 15 by senior Yemeni military official Abed al-Thawr.
"After a decision to intervene, the first step could be the formal announcement of a naval blockade against the United States and the Zionist regime. Merchant ships and military vessels, including aircraft carriers, destined for the US and occupied territories could be stopped," Iranian Press TV quoted al-Thawr as saying.
The spokesman added that as another measure, the Houthis are considering completely closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to any ships heading to Israeli ports.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, controlled by the Houthis, is a strategically important shipping lane between the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen) and northeastern Africa (Djibouti and Eritrea). It is used by a significant portion of global maritime shipping, including oil and energy shipments between Europe and Asia.
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