Houthis Capture 130km Yemen Coast, Threaten Red Sea Trade Backed by Iran
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Maritime security and proxy warfare: a GS2 case study on global trade routes and energy security.
Why in news
The Houthis captured 130km of Yemen's Tihamah coastal plain to tighten control over the Red Sea shipping lane with Iranian backing.
Background
The Houthis advanced across the Tihamah coastal plain to capture 130km of coastline. This move secures strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime corridor for international trade.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceTihamah: A coastal plain in Yemen.
- PlaceBab al-Mandab Strait: A strategic maritime strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
- FactThe Houthis captured 130km of the Yemen coastline.
Prelims practice question
Which strategic maritime strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden?
- (a)Suez Canal
- (b)Strait of Hormuz
- (c)Bab al-Mandab Strait
- (d)Malacca Strait
Show answer
Answer: (c) Bab al-Mandab Strait — The Bab al-Mandab Strait is the critical maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of maritime insecurity in the Red Sea on global trade and India's energy security.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Trade route vulnerability: Disruption of the Bab al-Mandab Strait affecting global supply chain costs
- Geopolitical friction: Iranian-backed proxy influence on maritime corridors and regional stability
- Maritime security dilemma: Balancing international freedom of navigation with regional conflict containment
Keywords: maritime security · proxy warfare · supply chain disruption · geopolitical instability · freedom of navigation
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