Bab el Mandeb Strait
between Yemen and Djibouti/Eritrea; connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden
Why in news
Jul 2026
It featured among the key global chokepoints as shipping disruptions and tariff pressures slowed the IMEC corridor's progress and forced vessels to reroute. Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia at this Red Sea-Gulf of Aden chokepoint.
Jun 2026
It featured among the key global chokepoints as shipping disruptions and tariff pressures slowed the IMEC corridor's progress and forced vessels to reroute. Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia at this Red Sea-Gulf of Aden chokepoint.
Key facts
- It featured among the key global chokepoints as shipping disruptions and tariff pressures slowed the IMEC corridor's progress and forced vessels to reroute.
- Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia at this Red Sea-Gulf of Aden chokepoint.
UPSC relevance
Prelims
Prelims may ask which water bodies it connects and the countries flanking it.
Mains
Mains (GS-2): maritime chokepoints and energy security.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bab el Mandeb Strait in the news?
Jun 2026: It featured among the key global chokepoints as shipping disruptions and tariff pressures slowed the IMEC corridor's progress and forced vessels to reroute. Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia at this Red Sea-Gulf of Aden chokepoint. Jul 2026: It featured among the key global chokepoints as shipping disruptions and tariff pressures slowed the IMEC corridor's progress and forced vessels to reroute. Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia at this Red Sea-Gulf of Aden chokepoint.
Why is Bab el Mandeb Strait important for UPSC?
Prelims may ask which water bodies it connects and the countries flanking it. Mains (GS-2): maritime chokepoints and energy security.
Last updated: 2026-10-09