Houthi advance on Bab el-Mandeb opens new front against Saudi Arabia

Houthi forces have advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast, reaching positions near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade. This escalation expands the conflict beyond Yemen's borders, increasing Houthi leverage over Saudi Arabia and threatening maritime routes, especially given the strait's heightened importance after Iran's blockade of Hormuz. The offensive is likely to provoke a Saudi military response, raising regional tensions.