Trump Weighed Strikes on Yemen's Houthis, Then Held Off Over Bab el-Mandeb Risks
Summary
- President Donald Trump reportedly considered airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels after Saudi Arabia requested military support, but ultimately held off.
- US Central Command had drawn up strike options targeting the Houthis, but Trump did not approve them over concerns they could threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to the reports.
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major crude oil and cargo shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and disruption there could add to upward pressure on global oil prices.
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President Donald Trump considered airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels after Saudi Arabia requested military support, but ultimately held off, according to reports.
Walter Bloomberg reported on September 21 that US Central Command had drawn up strike options targeting the Houthis. Trump did not approve the operation over concerns that retaliatory attacks could threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime shipping route. Reuters also reported on September 21 that Trump shelved the strikes despite the Saudi request.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for crude oil and cargo shipments. Any disruption there, in addition to problems in the Strait of Hormuz, could add to upward pressure on global oil prices.
Minseung Kang
minriver@bloomingbit.ioBlockchain journalist | Writer of Trade Now & Altcoin Now, must-read content for investors.