An Israeli security source told N12 that the Houthis, unlike their Iranian patrons, can visually identify ships in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and attack them using suicide boats or boarding operations, calling the situation a "huge drama" that gives the terror organization immense power. The warning comes as the Houthis have seized key positions along the Yemeni coast, tightening their grip on the critical maritime chokepoint.
An Israeli security source told N12 on Friday that the Houthi movement now possesses the ability to visually target commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb strait without relying on sophisticated radar, using suicide boats or boarding operations. The source described this as a "huge drama" that grants the terror organization immense leverage over global maritime trade. The warning comes hours after the Houthis completed their takeover of the strait earlier today, capturing the port town of Murad and Mayyun island.
The Zioneer reported at 03:53 Jerusalem that the Houthis had seized Murad and Mayyun, claiming full control of the strait. By 03:53, two Yemeni factions — the 'Giant' Brigades and the Pro-Royal Liberation Party — confirmed the capture. AFP later quoted a local official confirming Houthi control of the area. The Zioneer's own intelligence desk subsequently confirmed the full takeover, and a map published by The Zioneer illustrated the extent of Houthi control along the eastern bank.
The Houthi coastal offensive has been rapid. As The Zioneer reported on September 10, the group captured the strategic port city of Mocha, seizing over 2,000 square kilometers. Earlier, they captured Al-Omari base and Zubayr airport, advancing to within 30 km of the strait. The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical global chokepoint for trade between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. The Houthi threat has already forced shipping companies to reroute around Africa, increasing costs.
No specific new attack was reported in the Israeli source's warning. The assessment highlights the vulnerability of maritime traffic to asymmetric tactics, as visual identification using small boats is harder to counter than missile attacks. The situation remains fluid as the Houthis consolidate their coastal positions.
10 developments
- StrongHouthi capture of Bab el-Mandeb coast could enable full strait blockade, The Zioneer assesses
- DevelopingHouthis deploy missiles, drones near Bab el-Mandeb, await orders to block strait, new report says
- DevelopingHouthi official threatens to close Bab el-Mandeb, says Iran will shut Hormuz if US pushes Saudi war
- DevelopingIsrael strikes Iran, reports of Houthi threat to close Bab el-Mandeb
Source and signal
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