Houthis Advance on Bab al-Mandeb as Saudi Oil Route Comes Under Threat

Summary

Houthi forces have captured strategic positions controlling the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for 6.2 million bpd of oil and significant LNG volumes. This move directly threatens Saudi Arabia's Red Sea export route from Yanbu, which has become vital following the hypothetical closure of Hormuz. The escalation has pushed Brent crude above $100/bbl and is forcing major producers like QatarEnergy to secure alternative supplies, highlighting the acute vulnerability of Gulf energy exports.