Houthis say US and other ships will not be targeted in strait
Houthi official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti told the AP on September 20 that the group is not targeting the United States or other nations in Bab el-Mandeb, with Saudi Arabia as the sole exception.
Why it mattersJMIC confirms recent Houthi positions on Mayun Island and Mocha command both Bab el-Mandeb transit channels, shortening engagement ranges despite narrow political targeting.
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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