Yemen warns of Houthi plans to seize Bab al-Mandab

• Houthis target ports and shipping, Yemen says.
• Government warns of foothold at key waterway.
• Yemen fears Bab al-Mandab could mirror Hormuz.

Yemen’s government has issued a warning that Houthi group are actively plotting to seize land along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a move that would grant the group expanded leverage over one of the world's most critical maritime shipping arteries, according to reports by AFP.

Speaking to AFP, Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani stated that the group is maneuvering to build operational footing along the Red Sea coast.

"The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," al-Eryani told AFP.

Al-Eryani highlighted a military build-up by Houthi forces, noting that the group's intentions have been demonstrated through "repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities," according to AFP.

Red Sea into Hormuz scenario

Military officials stationed near the waterway confirmed that Houthi forces are attempting to advance their positions toward the coast.

Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling areas adjacent to the strait, told AFP that Houthi forces are targeting local ports to secure ground.

"Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP.

Duwaid reaffirmed to AFP that the group "are striving to secure a foothold in Bab al-Mandeb," threatening international transit through the vital maritime corridor.