The entry of Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the Middle East conflict has placed in the center of the geopolitical chessboard to the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, one of the most strategic points of world trade. This maritime passage connects the Red Seato the north, with the golfo de Adento the south, in the Indian Ocean, and constitutes the main access gateway between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. The strait also separates the Horn of Africa to the west from the Arabian Peninsula in Asia to the east. Administratively, the African shore belongs to Eritrea y Rememberand the Asian, Yemen.
Control of this enclave is key in the current tension scenario. Iran has hinted at the possibility of expanding the conflict and threatening maritime transit, while the Houthis, allies of Tehran, operate from the coast of Yemen, giving the Iranian regime indirect influence over the area.
An average of 35 cargo ships pass through the waters of the strait, about 115 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide, daily, carrying more than a million tons of merchandise, which represents around 20% of world maritime trade. In addition, a fifth of oil and a significant proportion of global natural gas circulate through this route.
The importance of Bab el-Mandeb has intensified following the reduction of traffic in the Strait of Hormuzanother critical point under Iranian influence. Countries such as Saudi Arabia have increased the use of alternative routes such as the port of Yanbu, on the Red Sea, to export crude oil. However, a possible simultaneous blockade of both passes would force maritime traffic to be diverted around Africa along the Cape of Good Hopewith a strong impact on costs and transportation times.
In geopolitical terms, Bab el-Mandeb is also one of the most militarized enclaves in the world. On its African shores, countries like Djibouti concentrate military bases of powers such as the United States, France or China, attracted by its strategic position. On the Asian shore, the presence of the Houthis reinforces tension in an area considered a hot spot for decades.
The strait, whose name in Arabic means “gate of tears” o “gate of lamentations”thus once again places itself in the international spotlight as one of the main scenarios of rivalry between great powers and a critical point for global economic stability.
