Houthis say US ships will not be targeted in Bab el-Mandeb
Houthi official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti said the group is not targeting the United States or other nations in the strait, excepting Saudi Arabia.
Why it mattersAbout twelve percent of global goods pass through the chokepoint, where maritime monitors assess the threat remains substantial despite the selective targeting policy.
Toss-up52%
How we got here
- The Houthis announced a selective maritime blockade against Israeli-, Saudi-, or Yemen-government-linked interests. UKMTO
- Houthi forces captured Mocha and Dhubab and landed on Mayun Island, commanding approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb channels. UKMTO
- An assessment determined that the Bab el-Mandeb threat was substantial, with further attacks likely but indiscriminate targeting not declared policy. UKMTO
- Mohamed al-Bukhaiti stated the Trump administration contacted the Houthis, who were not targeting nations in the strait except Saudi Arabia. AP
- A news outlet published a report regarding the Houthi assurance. The Hill
- A United States maritime advisory concerning Houthi attacks was scheduled to expire. Gov
What's likely next
- Houthis successfully targeting shippingVery unlikely18%
- Houthis successfully targeting shippingToss-up52%
All coverage
The coverage
- Houthis say US ships won't be targeted in Red SeaThe Hill · Sep 21
- Yemen's Houthis pledge not to target US ships after Trump cancels strikesEuronews · Sep 21
- Houthis offer US assurances, and other Mideast developmentsAP
- Yemen’s Houthis Push Toward Red Sea Strait as Ground Fighting EscalatesThe New York Times
- 2026-006-Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Somali Basin-Houthi Attacks on Commercial VesselsGov
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