Houthis Intensify Attacks, Sparking New Crisis in Bab Strait

In recent days, the Yemeni government released images of armored vehicles running over Houthi fighters in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, while the Houthis launched new attacks against Saudi airports. The combination of these incidents explains the surge in searches for "Houthis".

Conflict in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Yemeni government stated that on Monday (5), it recaptured the coast around the strait, a strategic area connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Videos showed vehicles driving over Houthi fighters, some armed and others unarmed, in the coastal zone. Reuters confirmed the location based on satellite imagery.

Attacks on Saudi Airports

At the same time, the Houthis announced a new wave of attacks on Saudi civilian airports, including King Khalid International Airport and Riyadh airport. According to the Saudi civil aviation authority, three Saudi citizens died and several people were injured. Images released showed smoke over Terminal 4 and debris that damaged a kindergarten and a medical clinic.

Impact on the Energy Market

The Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to G1, is the second largest oil export route in the Middle East, right after the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi control, supported by Iran, has driven up gasoline and diesel prices worldwide, reflecting concerns about maritime navigation security.

International Community's Reaction

The Houthis classified the run-over videos as proof of war crimes and accused the Saudi regime of mobilizing extremist factions. Human rights groups had already denounced practices such as the use of child soldiers and the seizure of humanitarian aid. The US mission in Saudi Arabia warned of possible flight cancellations and access restrictions to areas near the border with Yemen.

Prospects of the Saudi Offensive

The Saudi-led coalition continues to operate the “Yemen Dawn” offensive, claiming to have carried out over a thousand precision strikes against Houthi targets. The internationally recognized Yemeni government reported the death of over a thousand Houthi fighters and the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, while the Houthis dispute these figures and accuse the media of exaggerating Saudi advances.

Com informações de G1, CNN Brasil.