Yemeni Houthis threaten to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to the U.S.
The Yemeni movement "Ansar Allah" (Houthis) is considering the possibility of blocking the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if a decision is made to enter the conflict on the side of Iran. This was stated by high-ranking military commander Abed al-Taur, as reported by PressTV.
"As soon as a decision is made to intervene, the first measure may be an official announcement of a maritime blockade against the United States and Israel. Commercial vessels and warships, including aircraft carriers, heading towards American territories ... will be stopped," the agency quotes him as saying.
Al-Taur also did not rule out a complete closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait for all vessels heading to the coast of Israel.
Previously, the Houthis had already blocked the passage of Israeli and Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has significant economic and strategic importance, as it serves as a route from Europe to East and South Asia, as well as Australia.
