Yemen faces risk of renewed civil war as Houthi attacks threaten Red Sea trade

Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi‑backed oil tankers and government forces have sparked fresh fighting in southwest Yemen, raising the prospect of a new civil war. The insurgents, known as Ansar Allah and led by Abdul‑Malik al‑Houthi, now control north‑west Yemen including Sanaa and the port of Hodeidah, while the internationally recognised government under Rashad al‑Alimi is backed by Saudi Arabia.

Middle‑East analyst Alexander Atarodi warned that the escalation could lead to the “worst scenario,” affecting the Red Sea’s vital trade routes, particularly the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, and potentially drawing further involvement from the United States and Iran, which supports the Houthis. The conflict threatens global oil and gas markets and maritime commerce between Asia and Europe.