Topic: Bab El Mandeb

Retired General Frank McKenzie discussed the entry of Yemen-based Houthi rebels into the conflict following their missile attacks on Israel. McKenzie stated that while the Houthis could disrupt traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, the U.S. possesses the resources to maintain air superiority and prevent a game-changing escalation. He noted that plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have been in development for years.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The group stated they would target vessels belonging to nations conducting strikes against Iran, Lebanon, or Palestine. This move threatens to further disrupt global energy shipments between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Retired General Frank McKenzie explained on PBS NewsHour that the Houthis are an Iranian proxy using the Bab-el-Mandeb strait to disrupt global trade. He emphasized the need for a robust intelligence and surveillance architecture to deter attacks, noting that insurance rates for Red Sea transit have increased tenfold.

The Saudi-led "Decisive Storm" coalition's intervention in Yemen is framed as a strategic move to secure the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and the Port of Aden. The hosts argue the conflict is less about religion and more about protecting global shipping lanes and oil pipelines. The proximity of the U.S. drone base in Djibouti is noted as central to regional control.