Trump Loses the Other Strait
The Houthi advance is bad news for the U.S., and even worse news for Saudi Arabia.
TL;DR
- Houthi forces have seized control of towns and islands around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- This gives Iran's allies control of both Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, affecting a third of global oil shipments.
- The Houthi advance signifies a strategic advantage for Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' over U.S.-aligned forces.
- The U.S. military response may be limited without ground forces, as a previous campaign did not achieve stated objectives.
- Saudi Arabia faces significant setbacks, inheriting abandoned supplies and dealing with internal divisions among Yemeni factions.
- Internal tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have weakened their collective strategy in Yemen.