← 11 September 2026's Current Affairs · International Relations GA Prelims ★★★☆☆ Mains ★★★☆☆
Houthi forces take control of a key Red Sea island near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait
Why in News?
Houthi forces take control of a key Red Sea island near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait
Houthi forces have taken control of a Red Sea island near the strategically vital Bab-el-Mandeb strait, adding a new flashpoint to the conflict in West Asia.
Why it matters: general awareness
What you need to know
2 min read
Iran-backed Houthi forces have taken over a strategically located island in the Red Sea near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The strait is a vital corridor for Gulf oil exports and for international shipping between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal.
The development adds a new flashpoint to the wider conflict in West Asia.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- Bab-el-Mandeb strait
- Red Sea
- Houthis
- West Asia conflict
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Bab-el-Mandeb strait, Red Sea, Houthis, West Asia conflict
Mains
Use as an example in GA answers (GS1/GS2 - Geography and International Relations: maritime chokepoints, West Asia conflict).
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
With reference to the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, consider the following statements:
- It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
- It connects the Red Sea directly to the Persian Gulf.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: A — Statement 1 is correct: the Bab-el-Mandeb strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Persian Gulf connects to the Arabian Sea via the separate Strait of Hormuz, not Bab-el-Mandeb; Houthi forces have recently taken control of an island near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Convert this topic into marks
Today's 10-MCQ test · instant analysis · Powered by AdaptIQ