Yemen Says Ready for Houthi Escalation After Rebels Target Saudi Arabia The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran backed Houthis in Yemen has taken a dramatic turn with the rebels' stepped up attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and imposition of a maritime blockade.
This move has prompted Yemen's internationally recognized government to warn that it is ready for any escalation, sparking fears that the conflict may now spill over into the wider regional arena.
The stakes are high indeed. The Bab al Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, has long been a critical chokepoint for global shipping and oil trade.