By Abida Kahlun,
Bureau Chief for Scandinavian News Agency
The Houthis announced an end to their military campaign in Yemen, saying the operation has given them control of western areas of the country bordering the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The group’s statement, relayed through its own channels, has not yet been independently confirmed by international monitors.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, used daily by vessels moving oil, gas, and cargo between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Control over territory along this strait gives any armed group significant leverage over regional trade routes.
What the Houthis Are Claiming
According to the Houthis, the newly captured western areas now fall fully under their administration.
The group has framed the campaign’s conclusion as a strategic victory, though the scale and permanence of these territorial gains have not been verified by independent sources at the time of writing.
Sources close to the group say the announcement is intended to project stability to shipping companies and foreign governments watching the strait closely after years of regional tension.
Houthis End Yemen Campaign, Signal Normal Shipping
The Houthis say that shipping traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait continues as normal despite the shift in territorial control.
This claim is significant because the strait has previously seen disruptions tied to regional conflict, which affected global shipping costs and insurance rates.
At the same time, the group is reportedly offering carriers preferential rates to move cargo through waters under its control.
This suggests an effort to convert military gains into economic leverage, positioning the Houthis as a commercial gatekeeper rather than only a military actor.
Why the Strait Matters for Global Trade
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait sits alongside the Suez Canal as one of two critical chokepoints linking Asian and European shipping lanes.
Any disruption, real or perceived, tends to affect fuel prices and shipping insurance premiums worldwide.
Analysts who track Yemen’s conflict note that whoever controls this corridor gains outsized influence over both regional politics and global commerce.
The Houthis’ reported discount offers to carriers appear designed to reassure shipping firms that trade will not be interrupted, even as the group consolidates political control.
Key Facts
- Houthis say their military campaign in Yemen has ended
- The group claims control of western Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Houthis state shipping through the strait continues normally
- The group is reportedly offering carriers preferential shipping rates
- Independent confirmation of these claims has not yet been reported
- Houthis End Yemen
FAQs:
What did the Houthis announce?
The Houthis said their military campaign in Yemen has ended, with the group claiming control of western areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait important?
It is a major global shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, used by vessels carrying oil, gas, and other cargo between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Is shipping through the strait affected?
According to the Houthis, shipping continues as normal, and the group says it is offering discounted rates to carriers.
Has the international community responded?
No confirmed response from Yemen’s recognized government or international bodies had been reported at the time of writing.
Where can I follow official updates on Yemen’s situation?
The UN Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen publishes updates on the country’s peace process and political developments.
International Response Remains Unclear
As of this report, there has been no confirmed statement from Yemen’s internationally recognized government, Saudi-led coalition partners, or United Nations officials regarding the Houthis’ announcement.
The UN’s Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen continues to monitor developments as part of its ongoing role in the country’s peace process.
Houthis end Yemen campaign
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