In recent weeks, the Houthis (Ansar Allah movement) have fully engaged in the conflicts in Yemen by changing tactics and have made rapid advances along the Red Sea coast. They have taken control of a strategic port city and several islands, thereby gaining dominance over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital route for energy transfer and global trade.
Consequences of the War for Yemen and the Region
The escalation of conflicts in Yemen has not only reignited the country's civil war but has also fueled the years-long clashes between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Recently, the Houthis have expanded their attacks to two provinces in eastern Yemen that contain the country's largest oil and gas fields. These areas, including Marib province, are under the control of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia.
The continuation of these conflicts has displaced over 100,000 people within Yemen and forced thousands to flee towards Djibouti. According to the United Nations, Yemen is currently experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with nearly 22 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and support.
Impacts on the Global Energy Market
The conflicts between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia may also affect global energy supply and prices. The Houthis have attacked oil facilities and other infrastructure in Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas. Despite a ceasefire agreement between the two sides established in 2022, the clashes have intensified again, creating instability in the region.
On July 20, the Houthis announced that they would blockade Saudi ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and this blockade would only be lifted when Saudi Arabia removes its blockade on Houthi-held areas. This situation has seriously impacted Saudi oil transport routes and caused a rerouting of oil exports to Asia.
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