Bab el-Mandeb: The Next Global Chokepoint That Could Cripple Shipping After Hormuz”

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After the world focused on Strait of Hormuz another critical Maritime choke point is drawing attention : Bab-el-Mandeb strait often called "Gate of Tears".

Located at southern end of Red sea , it connects Red sea to the gulf of Aden and then Arabian sea. This narrow passage lies between Yemen in Asia and Djibouti and Eritrea in Africa ,serving as key route for global trade and oil shipment. It serves as the gateway from the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, which connects Asia with Europe.

Rising tensions near Bab-el-Mandeb

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed for over a month, attention has now shifted to the Red Sea. Concerns over Bab -el-Mandeb strait have intensified after the Houthis confrimed on Saturday that they launched Ballistic missiles at Israel , marking their first direct strike on Israeli territory since the outbreak of the conflict . Rhe group claimed that they targeted  " sensitive Israeli military sites".

The Houthis are a significant part of Iran’s regional proxy network, which also includes Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. They control Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, which lies close to the Bab‑el‑Mandeb, a critical chokepoint in the Red Sea—a strategic factor that has heightened fears about potential attacks on shipping in the area.

Historically, the Houthis have targeted commercial shipping, especially after Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks. Between November 2023 and January 2025, they reportedly attacked over 100 vessels and sank two ships before pausing their operations last November.
Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group, warns: “If the Houthis resume attacks on commercial shipping as they have in the past, it could drive oil prices higher and further destabilize maritime security.”

Who are Houthis 

The Houthis officially known as Ansar allah (partisans of god) are political and military organisation based in Yamen which emerged in 1990s. Houthis are backed  by Iran as a part of its "Axis if Resistance" which also includes Hezbollah and Hamas, receiving weapons and training by Iran.
Houthis controls much of Northern Yamen and the red sea coastline . Following the 2023 Gaza conflict , they began targeting international shipping in the red sea to pressure Israel .

Why Bab el-Mandeb is critically important 



1. Global trade and energy lifeline 

The strait is southern gateway to Suez canal making it shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe.
Approximately 12 percent of total seaborne trade and 8 percent of global Liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through this coridor and It handles about 7.8 million barrels of crude and fuel per day.

2. Geopolitical significance 

It sits between Yemen (Asia) and Djibouti & Eritrea (Africa), giving control of the strait strategic importance for regional powers.
Any disruption in Bab‑el‑Mandeb could affect global oil prices, shipping security, and international trade. If strait blocked, vessels must divert around CAPE OF GOOD HOPE in South Africa . This detour adds 3,500 to 6,000 nautical miles to a journey, resulting in delays of 10-20 days and significantly higher fuel and insurance costs.

3. Military and Security Importance

Narrow and easily targeted, it is vulnerable to attacks by state or non-state actors, such as the Houthis in Yemen.
Countries with interests in Middle East stability monitor it closely to protect trade and energy routes.

What Could Happen if Bab el‑Mandeb Were Closed?

If the Bab‑el‑Mandeb Strait were to be blocked or rendered unsafe for shipping, the consequences for global trade would be severe, especially given that the Strait of Hormuz is already effectively closed. Shipping companies would have no choice but to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. This alternative route would add roughly 4,000 to 6,000 nautical miles to the journey, translating into delays of two to three weeks for shipments.

The impact would extend far beyond just longer travel times. Freight costs would increase significantly due to the longer distance, higher fuel consumption, and additional crew and operational expenses. The price of oil and other essential commodities could spike as supply chains struggle to adapt. Industries that rely on timely deliveries, such as manufacturing, energy, and retail, would face disruptions, potentially leading to shortages and economic ripple effects worldwide.

Significance for india

Around 80% of India’s merchandise trade with European countries passes through this maritime corridor, making it a key lifeline for commercial shipping. The European Union alone receives more than 15% of India’s total exports, which are valued at approximately $450 billion annually.

Any disruption in this route could therefore have serious implications for India’s economy, affecting both trade flows and supply chains. With global shipping already under pressure from tensions in the Middle East, securing safe passage through the Bab‑el‑Mandeb Strait is crucial to protect India’s trade interests and maintain the smooth flow of goods to its largest overseas markets.

Conclusion 

The Bab‑el‑Mandeb Strait is more than just a narrow waterway—it is a vital chokepoint for global trade and energy supplies, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the involvement of the Houthis and the ongoing conflicts in the region, have made this passage increasingly vulnerable. 
Any disruption here would not only delay shipments and raise transportation costs, but also impact economies worldwide, including major trading nations like India and China. Protecting the security of Bab‑el‑Mandeb is therefore essential to maintaining maritime stability, global supply chains, and energy security in an already fragile geopolitical environment.
Location: New Colony, Khudda Lahora, Chandigarh, India

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