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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.

Houthis successfully targeting shipping by Oct 31Toss-up52%

How we got here

  1. The Houthis announced a selective maritime blockade against Israeli-, Saudi-, or Yemen-government-linked interests. UKMTO
  2. Houthi forces captured Mocha and Dhubab and landed on Mayun Island, commanding approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb channels. UKMTO
  3. An assessment determined that the Bab el-Mandeb threat was substantial, with further attacks likely but indiscriminate targeting not declared policy. UKMTO
  4. Mohamed al-Bukhaiti stated the Trump administration contacted the Houthis, who were not targeting nations in the strait except Saudi Arabia. AP
  5. A news outlet published a report regarding the Houthi assurance. The Hill
  6. A United States maritime advisory concerning Houthi attacks was scheduled to expire. Gov

What's likely next

  1. Houthis successfully targeting shippingVery unlikely18%
  2. Houthis successfully targeting shippingToss-up52%

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