Mokha is a warning: The Houthis are coming for Bab el-Mandeb

The capture of Mokha, a port city on Yemen's Red Sea coast, by Iranian-backed Houthi forces, along with their control of Perim Island, signals a significant strategic shift, giving Iran leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This development, following years of Houthi strengthening despite truces, has global security implications for Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa, and Israel. The article highlights the Houthis' transformation from an insurgency into a territorial and military force, facilitated by Iranian support and the cooperation of Eritrean dictator Isaias Afwerki, whose foreign minister stated, "no military solution" in Yemen.

• The Houthi model of asymmetric warfare is spreading across the Red Sea into Sudan, with reported links to al-Shabaab fighters.
• The article suggests a regional, territorial response is needed to dismantle the Houthi military machine, involving Yemeni forces supported by regional and international partners.
• A post-Afwerki Eritrea could become a crucial partner in a future Red Sea security architecture due to its strategic location.
• The threat extends beyond shipping, potentially putting Israel within range of missiles and drones from Sudan, necessitating a united front among affected nations.