A maritime security group led by the U.S. Navy has warned that Yemen's Houthis have positioned missiles and drones for possible attacks on vessels moving through the southern Red Sea. The alert focuses on the Bab el-Mandeb, a narrow but vital shipping corridor linking the Red Sea to global trade routes.
The warning highlights growing risks for commercial shipping in one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Any disruption in this area can quickly affect vessel traffic, insurance costs and broader supply chains, especially for energy cargoes moving through the region.
The concern is particularly serious for oil markets because the route is critical for Saudi crude exports. Threats to ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb could put millions of barrels per day at risk, raising the possibility of delays or rerouting if security conditions worsen.
The reported preparations by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement add to regional tension around Red Sea navigation. With missiles and drones cited in the warning, shipping companies and naval forces are likely to stay on high alert as they monitor whether the threat develops into direct attacks.
