The Houthis, a Yemen-based militant group with Iranian backing, have significantly expanded their territorial control along the Red Sea region through coordinated military operations. Their strategic positioning near the Bab al-Mandab Strait—one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints—poses substantial risks to international shipping routes and global trade. This development has raised concerns among regional powers and Western nations about potential disruptions to commerce and freedom of navigation in Middle Eastern waters.

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