Houthis seize Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandeb; shipping volumes plunged, raising rerouting and insurance costs
On 13 Sep 2026 Houthi forces completed takeover of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, positioning near the Bab al‑Mandeb strait and contributing to a 50–55% drop in Red Sea shipping volume between 2023–2025; sustained disruption has forced routings around the Cape, raising freight and insurance costs for trade‑dependent African importers.
The desk brief
On 13 Sep 2026 Houthi forces completed takeover of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, positioning near the Bab al‑Mandeb strait and contributing to a 50–55% drop in Red Sea shipping volume between 2023–2025; sustained disruption has forced routings around the Cape, raising freight and insurance costs for trade‑dependent African importers.
Sustained Houthi control and attacks increase insurance premia and force ships to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, adding transit days and higher freight. That raises landed import prices and short‑term FX demand for importers in trade‑dependent African economies; countries with near‑term external amortisation needs or thin reserves face greater sovereign funding pressure.
Monitor confirmed changes in Bab al‑Mandeb control or major naval mandate updates and monthly Red Sea transit statistics.
Sources & verification
Developing storyFurther independent confirmation is required.
- Red Sea nations watch as Houthis seize Bab al-Mandeb straitaljazeera.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.