Retake Bab al-Mandeb: Why Backing Yemen's Push Against the Houthis Serves America
Yemen's government launched a campaign to reclaim Houthi-held territory after the rebels seized Red Sea coast near a vital strait. In our view, U.S. intel support for partners, not American combat troops, is the right mix.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 5, 2026 | 6-min read Control of a narrow strait can squeeze the world's shipping lanes and gasoline lines. Last month, Iran-backed Houthis seized stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait [1][2]. On Sunday, Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi announced military operations to retake remaining territory and restore state authority [1][3]. Saudi Arabia is providing air cover. The United States, for now, is providing intelligence and targeting support, not combat aircraft [2][4]. In our view, that mix is right: help partners reclaim a chokepoint, without diving into another ground war. Key Takeaways Al-Alimi said Yemen had "exhausted all opportunities for deescalation" and was launching operations to retake Houthi-held territory, with Bab al-Mandeb a key objective [2][3]. Axios reports the U.S. rebuffed Saudi requests for American airstrikes for now, while still sharing intelligence; that could change if the offensive stalls [2][4]. The Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi Aramco sites after coalition attacks; Riyadh had not commented in early coverage [1][3]. Americans already live with the Iran war's energy shock. Another locked strait on the Red Sea is the last thing farmers, truckers and families need. What Changed Defense News reports the Houthis' September advance captured Bab el-Mandeb approaches and about 90 miles of Red Sea coast in weeks, giving Tehran's allies new leverage over trade [3]. BBC News notes the government's fierce response was expected after that offensive [1]. Axios, citing U.S. officials, says Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman briefed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and again asked for U.S. strikes; Washington declined