Houthi forces have seized Yemen's Red Sea coastline, prompting thousands to flee across the Bab al-Mandab Strait as EU officials warn of potential global trade disruptions.

Houthi rebels have captured Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline, including the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, following a rapid military advance. The escalation has triggered a surge in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed pro-government forces, resulting in over 120,000 displaced Yemenis. Thousands of refugees have crossed the strait into Djibouti, seeking safety from intensified airstrikes and ground combat.

Humanitarian Impact in Djibouti

Refugees fleeing the coastal conflict are arriving at the Markazi camp in Obock, Djibouti, which is jointly managed by the local government and the United Nations. In the last few days alone, more than 3,000 people have reached the camp, often arriving by boat after escaping the front lines in towns such as Dhubab. Many families arrive with few possessions, while others have managed to transport small amounts of livestock or household items. Displaced individuals report that their primary motivation for fleeing is the constant threat of aerial bombardment. Residents from the region state that the source of the attacks—whether from the Houthis or the Saudi-led coalition—is less critical than the immediate danger posed by the falling munitions. The camp currently houses families living in temporary conditions, including open-sided warehouses.

Strategic and Economic Implications

The Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait has raised significant concerns regarding international maritime security. The strait is a vital chokepoint that facilitates approximately 12 percent of global trade. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned in a letter to ministers on September 19 that the group's control of this route poses a serious threat to maritime security and could disrupt European supply chains. Kallas noted that the situation may further impact European economies already struggling with rising fuel prices. While the Saudi-backed government has responded to the Houthi advance with hundreds of airstrikes along the coastal plain, the Houthis have countered with hundreds of drone and missile attacks targeting infrastructure in south-western Saudi Arabia.