Getting to Know Bab el-Mandeb, the World's Strategic Sea Route Threatened by Iran War

Bab el-Mandeb on the map (ITV News)

YOGYAKARTA - Bab el-Mandeb is once again in the spotlight following news that the Houthi group in Yemen will disrupt the world's shipping lanes. Bab el-Mandeb is a small strait located between Yemen and Djibouti which is the main trade route between Europe and Asia. If this strait is disrupted, it will automatically have an impact on the distribution of logistics between the two continents.

As is known, the Houthis are Iran's allies in Yemen. Threats to Bab el-Mandeb can be a way for this group to indirectly participate in Iran's confrontation against the United States and Israel.

Getting to Know Bab el-Mandeb and Its Role in World Trade

Bab el-Mandeb is a sea strait that separates the Horn of Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. Reported by ITV News, the name Bab el-Mandeb comes from Arabic which means "Gate of Tears" or "Gate of Sorrow".

Geographically, Bab el-Mandeb is located between Yemen on the east side as well as Djibouti and Eritrea on the west side. This strait is located in the southern part of the Red Sea and is a link to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. This position makes it an important route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Bab el-Mandeb is about 70 miles long and about 20 miles wide at its narrowest point. It's not a big deal, but its impact on global trade is significant. Every year, billions of tons of cargo pass through this narrow lane.

The strait is an important part of the shipping route to the Suez Canal. Ships departing from Asia to Europe usually pass through the Indian Ocean, enter the Gulf of Aden, then cross Bab el-Mandeb before finally reaching the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Without this route, the ship's journey will be much longer.

If Bab el-Mandeb cannot be passed, ships must turn around through Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This route can add thousands of kilometers to the journey and extend delivery times to weeks. As a result, world logistics are disrupted and transportation costs can increase dramatically.

Disruption in Bab el-Mandeb automatically disrupts the world supply chain. Imported goods such as electronics, clothing, household appliances, and toys will experience delays in distribution. The impact will certainly be felt by consumers in various countries.

In addition, Bab el-Mandeb is also an important route for world energy trade. Crude oil and liquefied natural gas from the Middle East are shipped to Europe through this route. Disruption in the strait could have a direct impact on international energy prices.

Yemen itself has a strategic position because it is right on the side of Bab el-Mandeb. By disrupting this strait, the Houthi group can put economic and political pressure on the international community.

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