Cairo (TDI): Saudi Arabia and Egypt have called for freedom and security of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz as Yemen’s Houthis strengthen their position around the southern entrance to the Red Sea and Riyadh vows a firm response to continuing attacks.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the latest escalation in Yemen and its wider regional implications.
The two leaders called for “ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb, according to the Egyptian presidency. Sisi also expressed Egypt’s support for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and stability.
The renewed fighting has raised concerns over one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. The Houthis have been battling Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces since the civil war reignited in July, while also declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.
Read More: Saudi-led Coalition Says Houthis Targeted Makkah With Drone
In a rapid offensive last week, the Houthis seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to the report.
The strategic waterway has become increasingly important for Saudi oil exports as the wider regional conflict continues to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed conflict has also placed Egypt under pressure because the Red Sea provides the main maritime approach to the Suez Canal, a major source of revenue for Cairo.
Suez Canal revenues are currently around half their level before Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping began in 2023. The Houthis launched those attacks while saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Any further disruption around Bab el-Mandeb could make the route less attractive to international shipping companies and increase pressure on global trade.
Read More: A War at Sea: From Hormuz to Bab el-Mandeb
Qatar warned on Tuesday that a closure of Bab el-Mandeb would have severe consequences, describing such a development as “catastrophic for the entire world”.
The Houthis, however, have maintained that their actions do not threaten navigation through Bab el-Mandeb except for Saudi vessels.
