Houthi embargo on Saudi shipping and attacks at Bab el-Mandeb

Day

56 (as of 2026-09-13 (13 September 2026))

Started

2026-07-20 (20 July 2026)

Severity

3 Significant

Chokepoints

Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Ports

None

Lanes

None

• Severity basis: A restriction at a chokepoint. Measured on top of the Red Sea diversion (wfm-effect-1.1): PortWatch tanker transits at Bab el-Mandeb 8.5 a day from 2026-07-20 to 2026-09-13 against 13.7 expected, down 38 percent; total transits down 23 percent, below the 25 percent needed for level 4.

Expected before the event

36.3 transits per day

Last 7 days

27.3

Last 28 days

27.1 (-25%)

Average since the start

27.8

This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.

Expected before the event

13.7 transits per day

Last 7 days

8.1

Last 28 days

8.2 (-40%)

Average since the start

8.5

This is a measured change in public data during the event window, compared with a baseline before it. It shows timing, not cause. We describe an event as causing a change only when an official source says so.

1. 2026-08-11A cargo ship named Tihamah is struck by missiles in Bab el-Mandeb, and a second missile hits the rescue effort, according to Yemen government statements reported by Al Jazeera.
2. 2026-07-22A maritime security centre warns that Houthi missiles and drones are in place near the strait, and tankers with Saudi cargo turn back.
3. 2026-07-20The Houthis declare a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia with immediate effect.

Full record with sources, cause and measured effect. All ongoing disruptions.