Houthi advance on Bab al-Mandab portends attritional battle for strategic strait

Houthi forces are advancing toward Bab al-Mandab on Yemen's western coast, threatening the strategic strait that is a critical chokepoint for global shipping. The situation is in a tactical lull, but analysts expect a prolonged war of attrition, with international actors moving to counter the direct threat to navigation. The outcome is uncertain, but any disruption to the strait would have significant implications for global energy and trade flows.