Saudi Arabia and Yemen warn Houthis threaten Bab el-Mandeb, call for international protection of Red Sea navigation
On 31 October 2026 Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Yemen’s internationally recognised government publicly warned that Houthi forces pose a growing threat to international shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, urging increased regional and international cooperation to secure maritime routes.
The desk brief
On 31 October 2026 Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Yemen’s internationally recognised government publicly warned that Houthi forces pose a growing threat to international shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, urging increased regional and international cooperation to secure maritime routes.
If Houthi attacks further threaten passage through the Bab el-Mandeb, shipping routes that service East Africa and Asia could face rerouting, longer voyages and higher transport costs. Regional insurance costs and logistics for Somali and Horn of Africa ports may rise; disruptions could also amplify broader North/East African economic and supply-chain pressures depending on duration and intensity.
Look for follow-up statements or coordinated naval deployments from Gulf states, IISS/Manama Dialogue participants, or multinational task forces within two weeks.
Sources & verification
Verified briefVerified from 3 independent public publishers.
- Saudi Arabia and Yemen Warn of Iran-Backed Houthi Threat to Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb Shippingarabtimesonline.comSource published (opens in a new tab)
- Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi attacks, calls for security in Hormuz and Bab el-Mandebiranintl.comSource published (opens in a new tab)
- Another Hormuz? What to Know About the Houthi Threat to the Red Sea | Council on Foreign Relationscfr.orgSource published (opens in a new tab)
Public references supporting this brief.