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    Houthis Assure US of No Attacks on Shipping in Bab Al Mandeb Following Territorial Gains

    Section editor: ·Moderate4 articles covering this·4 news sources·Updated 2 hours ago·MENA
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    Map showing Bab Al Mandeb strait's strategic importance for shipping and energy exports.

    What happened

    Houthi rebels assured the United States they would not attack American ships in the Bab Al Mandeb strait, reaffirming a 2025 truce agreement.

    The Context

    • Territorial Gains: The Houthis have recently seized key coastal areas, enhancing their control over the strategic Bab Al Mandeb strait.
    • Indirect Diplomacy: Assurances were communicated through Omani mediators, highlighting the complexities of US-Houthi relations without direct dialogue.
    • Regional Implications: The US has prioritized freedom of navigation, impacting shipping security and energy markets, especially for Gulf states.

    The Number

    Eightfold

    increase in Saudi seaborne crude exports via the Bab Al Mandeb strait between March and mid-July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, underscoring the route's critical role in global energy supply.

    Takeaway

    As the Houthis maintain their commitment to the truce, ongoing monitoring of regional dynamics will be essential for professionals engaged in international trade and energy markets.

    4 Articles
    The National

    Houthis 'assured' US they would not attack American ships in Bab Al Mandeb, Yemeni sources say

    Yemeni sources report that the Houthi rebels have assured the United States that they will not target American ships in the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime route. This assurance comes amid heightened tensions following the Houthis' recent m...

    Al Jazeera

    Reports: US, Houthis make secret deal over Yemen war

    Reports indicate that Yemen's Houthi rebels have reached a secret agreement with the United States, allowing for unrestricted access to the Red Sea for US shipping in exchange for a halt to military actions by Washington. This development comes amid ...

    The Guardian

    US opts not to back Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders

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    International Business Times

    Yemen's Houthis Reportedly Met With U.S. Officials After Making Key Gains. They Promised Not To Target U.S. Ships.

    Yemen's Houthi rebels have reportedly met with U.S. officials following significant territorial gains, including the capture of key islands in the Red Sea. The Houthis have pledged not to target U.S. ships, indicating a potential shift in their milit...