The Houthi movement has completed preparations to attack ships in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a source close to the group told Reuters. The decision on when to close the strategic waterway will be made by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) representatives already in Yemen, according to the source. Saudi Arabia is taking the threat with utmost seriousness, regional sources said.
The Houthi movement in Yemen has completed preparations to attack vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, with the decision on when to close the strategic waterway resting with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) representatives already in the country, a source close to the group told Reuters on Thursday. The report adds a new layer of operational detail to the growing threat to Red Sea shipping.
Earlier today, as The Zioneer reported, Iran's leadership instructed the Houthis to close the strait if the United States strikes power plants — a directive discussed at the highest levels of the Iranian and Houthi leadership. The Houthis' readiness claim now confirms that the means to execute such an order are in place.
The Zioneer has previously assessed that Iran is preparing to use the Houthis to block the Bab el-Mandeb as part of a broader strategy to pressure Western and Gulf states. The direct role of the IRGC in the decision-making, rather than leaving timing to the Houthis themselves, indicates a tightening of Tehran's control over the proxy force.
Two regional sources close to Riyadh told Reuters that Saudi Arabia is taking the threat with utmost seriousness, aware that the Houthis are now coordinating closely with Iran on their Red Sea operations. The kingdom, a major importer of goods through the strait, has been on high alert for weeks.
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