Bab-al Mandab Strait, although not as famous as the Ormuz Strait, is of approximately the same importance as the Ormuz Strait for maritime transport, trade, global energy and commodity supply chains. It is one of the nuclei of Saudi Arabia and this kingdom is one of the most important strategic allies of the US in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf region, so important that the US has just allowed Saudi Arabia to use US technology to enrich uranium. Therefore, the Houthi forces in Yemen blockad the sea over Saudi Arabia and attack Saudi Arabia's ships, which is nominally aimed directly at Saudi Arabia, but in fact indirectly aimed at its allies. That is an act of sharing the fire with Iran in the conflict between Iran and the US, like playing billiards when creating a chain reaction effect.
The Houthi have played an indirect flank attack. Saudi Arabia facing difficulties will have to urge allies to attack the Houthi forces in Yemen or quickly end the conflict with Iran. Iran with the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi with the Bab-al Mandab Strait forming a two-pronged battle formation controlling maritime routes and energy supply chains, trade from the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf region. Oil prices have immediately increased in the world market. The conflict continues to spread to the region.
The more difficult and awkward one side is, the more the other side benefits. Increased energy prices, no growth prospects for the economy, volatile stock markets, increased political and military pressure all cause difficulties for Washington. Along with having to respond on the new front that the Houthi faction has just officially opened, the financial burden increases and it is impossible to concentrate all resources on the conflict. With this blow, the Houthi creates an asymmetry war, with the risk of a long-term slump of the parties in the conflict in Iran.
