Saudi Arabia seeks regional aid to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has appealed to regional allies and indirectly to Israel for assistance in countering Houthi forces, following significant setbacks for Saudi-backed troops. The appeals, directed toward Gulf states and Egypt, include a request for intelligence and support via US Central Command to prevent the Houthis from blocking the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The strait is a critical maritime artery for global trade and energy. Its potential closure threatens the flow of oil and liquefied natural gas between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Due to the threat, Saudi Arabia has been forced to reroute tankers around Africa and has recently halted some oil shipments through its East-West pipeline following attacks.

US President Donald Trump stated that the Houthis have expressed a desire to avoid conflict with the United States, claiming they asked Washington not to intervene. While reports indicate Mohammed bin Salman requested US strikes on the Houthis, Trump declined the request. Meanwhile, the Houthis have reportedly consolidated control over Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including several strategic islands.