Houthis seize Bab al-Mandab, rout Yemeni forces; regional powers avoid escalation

Houthi forces have defeated Yemeni government troops in multiple clashes over the past week and taken control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a chokepoint for global trade. The article suggests Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US are reluctant to escalate militarily, though their exact posture remains unclear. Control of the strait raises risks to shipping and energy flows, but the Houthis' intent to disrupt global commerce is not confirmed.