New global crisis loomed over when Houthi had taken control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait on September 15. During that operation, Houthi captured Mayyun island located in the middle of the crucial Red Sea waterway. CEO of Aurora, prof. Dr. Admir Mulaosmanović, was hosted by N1 Hrvatska and commented current crisis in the Red Sea region.
“It seems Houthi controls the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Taking Mocha and island showed that they are willing to resist any kind of threats aimed to them as well as threats towards Iran, country they established good relations with. Strategically, Houthi showed Saudi regime vulnerability, which recruited military personnel and Saudi prince bin Selman hold conversation with Islamabad and Washington seeking to implement Mecca agreement. Houthi forced Saudis to reconsider military actions carried out by Riyadh that commenced two months ago. Houthi showed military strength, yet it is limited strength, and they adopted good strategic decisions that were implemented on the ground.
Prof. dr. Mulaosmanović believes that Houthi will not retain Bab al-Mandeb under control because Saudis, in that case, should find solution to return control of important strait in the Red Sea.
“We noticed that oil prices, particularly diesel, have been significantly changed. I do not believe that Houthi will control Bab al-Mandeb because Saudis, in that case, should find solution to return control of Bab al-Mandeb. But this situation unfolded to the extent that Iran and United Arab Emirates (UAE) held conversation about the cooperation between countries. Furthermore, we have seen more processes related to Syria, Egypt trying to build new regional architecture with those countries. I believe we will witness operation which would return everything to the level before Houthi campaign started to secure flow of East-West oil pipeline. This pipeline is of grave importance not only for Saudis but for the whole world. But I could not agree that price will not be increased again even if Saudis takes control of Bab el-Mandeb.”
Full conversation find it bellow.