Explainer: Will the new threat of Houthis lead to global oil crisis? Understand the whole game of Red Sea

Red Sea Oil Route Explained: A new and serious challenge has emerged amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have warned of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. This threat is an alarm bell not only for Saudi Arabia, but for the entire world economy and the global oil market.

Experts and US officials believe that if this blockade becomes a reality, it could worsen the ongoing war with Iran and put immense pressure on the resources of the US military.

What is the new threat of Houthis?

On Monday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels clearly said that they will not allow any ship to load or unload goods at Saudi Arabia’s ports. The direct aim of this move is to stop Saudi oil exports. The Red Sea, considered a lifeline for global trade, is already volatile due to Houthi activity in the region, but this new announcement of targeting Saudi ports could take the conflict to a different level.

Houthis threaten Saudi Arabia with blockade, AI photo

What will be the impact on global oil supply?

Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest oil exporters. If the Houthis succeed in blocking Saudi ports as they claim, about 7% of global oil supply could be completely disrupted. Cutting such a huge amount of oil is likely to cause a huge surge in prices in the international markets, which will have a direct impact on the pockets of common people and economies around the world.

What is the challenge facing America due to the threat of Houthis?

US President Donald Trump, reacting to this threat, has said that if such a situation arises, America will deal with it. He reminded that America has already taken action against the Houthis. However, according to defense experts and former Pentagon officials, the ground reality is not that simple.

America’s challenge to the Houthis, AI photo

Can America open a front against Houthis?

The US military currently has substantial resources in the region, but they are already active against Iran and engaged in a blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf. Opening a second front against the Houthis would mean dividing our military power into two parts. Due to which America may face many problems. The main points of which are:

• Changes in deployment of warships: To deal with the threat of the Red Sea, America may have to remove its warships from the Gulf and bring them closer to Yemen so that missile attacks can be defended.
• Shortage of arms and ammunition: Experts have warned that if the US Navy continues to shoot down Houthi drones and missiles, America’s stockpile of precision munitions and air defense interceptors could be depleted.

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What is America’s experience with the Houthis?

Houthi rebels are known as tough and agile fighters. They have faced heavy bombardment by the Saudi-led coalition and the US over the past several years. Last year also, America used two aircraft carriers, fighter jets and B-2 strategic attack aircraft against the Houthis, but experts believe that even such heavy attacks could not completely eliminate the Houthis’ ability to target ships.