Berlin, July 21, 2026
The Iran-backed Houthi militia says it has forced six merchant ships in the Bab al-Mandab strait to turn back as part of its announced "blockade."
Situation in the strait
According to the news agency Saba, citing the militia, six merchant ships have turned around and abandoned their planned route in recent hours. Within 24 hours, six ships had reversed course after Houthi warnings, Saba reported. The news agency also did not report exactly where the ships allegedly turned back. There was no independent confirmation initially.
The Houthis mainly control northern Yemen and large parts of the western coast on the Red Sea. The access there to the Suez Canal, together with the Strait of Hormuz, is among the most important sea routes for global trade. International shipping companies have since avoided the Bab al-Mandab strait. From their coastal positions, they can use their arsenal of missiles, drones, and cruise missiles to attack ships in the Bab al-Mandab strait as well.