From The Rio Times · Amina Diarra · · 2m
Houthis and Red Sea Conflict Explained
Houthis seize Red Sea chokepoints, threatening global trade routes.
In brief
Houthis seize Red Sea chokepoints, threatening global trade routes. Houthis seized Perim Island and Mocha port in September 2026, disrupting Suez Canal trade and Saudi oil shipments. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Who the Houthis Are
Ansar Allah, an Iran-backed movement led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has held Yemen’s capital Sanaa since 2014.
The 2026 Escalation
In September 2026, the Houthis seized Mocha port and Perim Island beside the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
The Attacks
Houthi strikes on ships began in November 2023, paused after the Gaza ceasefire of October 2025, and resumed against Saudi-linked shipping in 2026.
The Cost to Egypt
Suez Canal revenue fell from US$10 billion a year to US$3.3 billion, recovering only to about US$4.4 billion.
Who Patrols the Strait
The EU’s Aspides mission escorts ships, a US-led coalition guards the route since December 2023, and a Saudi-led coalition fights the Houthis.
The 2026 Impact
Houthi strikes on Saudi refineries and airports since mid-2026 have disrupted oil shipments and increased freight costs.
The Market Prediction
Prediction markets show a 30.5% chance of a Saudi-Houthi ceasefire by 31 December 2026.
The Open Questions
It is unclear who holds Perim Island or whether UN mediation can stop the fighting.
The Houthi Support
Iran provides training, weapons, and financial support to the Houthis, as reported by UN experts in 2024.
The Casualties
Houthi strikes killed four seafarers on the Tanzania-flagged cargo ship Tihamah and injured 73 people at the Jazan refinery.
The Refugee Crisis
About 3,000 people have crossed the strait to seek refuge in Djibouti since early August 2026.
The Strategic Shift
Saudi Arabia has grown more reliant on the Red Sea to ship oil after the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted.
The Military Response
The US and Saudi Arabia have deployed naval forces to protect shipping routes in the Red Sea since 2023.
The Unconfirmed Claims
There is no confirmed evidence the Houthis have handed over advanced missiles or drones to al-Shabaab.
The Future
The conflict could escalate further, disrupting global trade and oil supplies if the ceasefire fails.
What it means
Houthis seized Perim Island and Mocha port in September 2026, disrupting Suez Canal trade and Saudi oil shipments.
