Ansarullah Advance in Bab el-Mandeb Strait Does Not Disrupt Shipping, Al Jazeera Reports

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Qatari network Al Jazeera has reported that despite Ansarullah forces in Yemen gaining control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the movement of ships through this vital waterway has not changed. This observation suggests that the advancements made by Ansarullah do not constitute a threat to international maritime traffic.

Previously, the Ansarullah movement had emphasized that any declared ban would exclusively apply to vessels associated with Saudi Arabia, citing the Kingdom’s ongoing aggression against Yemen. This clarification aimed to counter narratives that sought to portray their actions as a broader impediment to global trade.

Counter-movements to Ansarullah have reportedly engaged in what is described as ‘poisonous propaganda’ to present the group’s advances as dangerous and detrimental to international navigation. These efforts have aimed to create a perception of widespread disruption and risk in the region.

In recent days, Yemeni forces have made rapid advances, securing control over the city of Mokha, Perim Island (also known as Riqat Island), and strategically important heights overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Consequently, the strait is currently under the effective control of Ansarullah.

Data from MarineTraffic between September 11th and September 15th indicates that 159 vessels transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The average daily passage of ships through this area is approximately 38 vessels, a figure that appears consistent with pre-advance levels, according to the report.